BANCROFT 

LIBRARY 

TESTIMONIALS  AND  RECORDS, 


TOtJETHKK  WITH 


AHtiiiMKNTS  IN  FAVOR  OF  SPECIAL  ACTION 


|> 


FOR  Of  it 


TRIBES: 


OK.    K.    WH1TK, 

OF  SAN   F»A?5?1SCU. 


I'RINTKI)  r,Y  I{.  A.  WATERS. 

1861. 


TESTIMONIALS  AND  RECORDS, 


TOGETHER  WITH 


ARGUMENTS  IN  FAVOR  OF  SPECIAL  ACTION 


FOR  OUR 


I3STDIA.N    TRIBES: 


BY 


DR.   EV 

OP  SAN  FRANCISCO. 


WASHINGTON : 

PRINTED  BY  R.  A.  WATERS. 
1861. 


inarc       .t/aoy 


PREFACE. 


One  of  the  leading  objects  of  this  pamphlet,  is  to  ar 
rest  and  direct  attention  to  the  condition  of  our  Western 
Indian  tribes,  in  hopes  thereby  to  procure  from  the 
present  Administration,  such  measures  as  shall  tend 
to  their  relief ;  and  advancement  in  the  paths  of  reform 
and  civilization. 

And  should  any,  after  an  examination  of  the  views 
of  my  friends ;  a  scanning  of  my  past  record,  and  con 
sidering  my  experience  and  observation ;  .acquired  from 
a  residence  of  twenty-five  years  upon  the  Pacific  Coast ; 
think  my  views  entitled  to  a  sufficient  consideration; 
I  will  feel  obliged  if  they  will  give  them  a  perusal. 
They  will  find  remarks  upon  their  present  condition ; 
and  the  Author's  views  of  what  ought  to  be  done  by 
this  Administration,  commencing  on  page  81. 


,W 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 

A  Note  from  His  Excellency,  Abraham  Lincoln,  President  of  the  United 

States,  to  Honorable  "William  P,  Dole,  Commissioner  of  Indian  Affairs. .  5 

Reply  of  Commissioner  Dole,  recommending  Dr.  White  for  a  Mission  or 

Special  Agency  over  Indian  Affairs  on  the  Pacific  coast 5 

Senator  Foot's  full  and  entire  concurrence 6 

Comments  of  Ithaca  Journal  and  Advertiser  on  the  nomination 6 

National  Republican  at  Washington 6 

From  the  American  Citizen,  Ithaca,  New  York 7 

Letter  from  Honorable  Henry  R.  Schoolcraft  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  showing  the  propriety  of  such  special  agency  to  the  Pacific  coast. 

Letter  of  Mr.  J.  A.  Rollings  to  Commissioner  Dole,  showing  the  great  ne 
cessity  and  fitness  of  such  agency  on  the  Pacific  coast,  and  strongly  rec 
ommending  Dr.  White  for  the  position ,  9 

Letter  from  the  Honorable  Henry  R.  Schoolcraft  to  Commissioner  Dole, 
commending  in  strong  terms,  Dr.  White  for  an  appointment  in  the  In 
dian  Department  on  the  Pacific  coast 10 

Letter  from  Governor  Gilpin  to  Caleb  B.  Smith,  Secretary  of  the  Interior, 
recommending  in  clear,  strong,  and  energetic  language,  the  claims  of 
Dr.  White  to  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  in  the  Gol 
den  State 11 

Letter  from  the  Rev.  Robert  Kellen  to  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
setting  forth  the  reasons  and  necessity  of  a  supervisory  agency  over 
Indian  Affairs  on  the  Pacific  coast,  and  in  a  forcible  argument  urges  the 
claims  of  Dr.  White 11 

Letter  of  the  Honorable  Benjamin  Joy  to  William  H.  Seward,  Secretary  of 
State,  commending  very  highly  Dr.  White  for  special  agent  of  Indian 
Affairs 12 

Letter  of  Samuel  Love,  Esq.,  to  Hon.  William  H.  Seward,  Secretary  of 
State,  urgently  recommending  in  strong  language,  Dr.  White's  claims 
to  a  superintendency  of  Indian  Affairs 13 

Senator  Harlan's  Letter  to  the  Hon.  Caleb  B.  Smith,  recommends  Dr.  White 
as  of  eminent  fitness  and  purity  of  character,  and  prays  his  appointment 
of  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  California 14 

Senator  McDougal's  Letter  to  Hon.  Abraham  Lincoln  bears  clear  testimony 
in  favor  of  Dr.  White's  fitness  and  adaptation  to  office  of  Superintendent 
of  Indian  Affairs 11 


II. 

Letter  of  the  Hon.  Caleb  Burbank  to  the  President  elect,  is  a  high  testi 
monial  in  Dr.  White's  favor  as  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  Cali 
fornia  16 

Letter  of  William  Sherman,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  San  Francisco  Central 

Republican  Club,  fully  concurring  in  all  set  forth  by  Caleb  Burbank 16 

Letter  of  State  Senator  McM.  Shatter  to  President  Lincoln,  showing  the 
reaions  for  selecting  such  as  Dr.  White  for  the  management  of  Indian 

Affairs 16 

Letter  of  John  W.  Cherry,  three  years  Member  of  Assembly  from  San 
Francisco,  to  President  Lincoln,  showing  why  Dr.  White  should  have 

•the  appointment  of  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs 16 

Letter  of  James  A.  Banks  to  Hon.  A.  Lincoln,  President  of  the  United 
States,  also  three  years  Member  of  Assembly,  to  the  Legislature  of  Cali 
fornia,  unites  in  recommendations  of  Dr.  White 17 

Letter  of  S.  S.  Tilton  to  the  President,  also  several  years  a  Member — 

recommends  strongly  Dr.  White's  appointment 17 

District  Attorney  Brown's  Letter^to  Mr.  Lincoln,  is  very  explicitly  in  favor 

of  Dr.  White's  appointment 18 

Senator  Nesmith  vouches  for  his  having  satisfactory  performed  his  duties 

in  an  early  day  in  Oregon,  both  to  Government  and  people 18 

Doctor  Anson  Dart's  Testimony 18 

Hiram  G.  Bloomer's  letter  of  recommendation  to  President  Lincoln 19 

Recommendation  of  all  the  Republican  members  of  the  Legislature 19 

State  Central  Committee 20 

Chief  of  Police  for  the  City  and  County  of  San  Francisco 20 

Medoron  Crawford  of  Oregon 21 

Nathan  Coryell  of  Havana,  New  York 21 

Hon.  Charles  Cook  of  New  York  to  William  H.  Seward,  Secretary  of  State, 

testifies  to  the  high  character  of  Dr.  White  as  a  man 22 

Hon.  T.  Hartly  Crawford's  report  upon  Dr.  White's  report  of  April  1st, 
1843 22 

Dr.  White's  report  to  the  War  Department,  spring  of  1843,  interesting  as 
showing  the  capacities  of  the  Indians,  for  civilization  and  fair  culture — 
gives  the  first  laws  ever  enacted,  read,  and  understood  by  all  among 
them  of  that  part  of  the  Indian  country 22 

Letter  of  the  Rev.  H.  H.  Spaulding,  Missionary  to  the  Nez  Perces,  to 
Dr.  White,  answering  many  questions  relative  to  Indian  character,  cus 
toms,  and  instincts ;  and  what  of  their  capacities  for  civilization,  &c. 
It  will  be  found  interesting  and  instructive,  giving  both  sides  of  the  ques 
tion  as  to  Indian  character 39 

Second  report  of  Hon.  T.  Hartley  Crawford  upon  two  reports  of  Dr. 
White,  1843  and  spring  of  1844 — interesting  as  showing  an  improved 
.state  of  things  in  the  Indian  country,  schools,  &c 44 

tDr.  White's  Report  to  Secretary  of  War,  November,  1843— interesting  to 
such  as  desire  Indian  culture  and  civilization,  and  would  know  of  the 
first  organization  of  our  countrymen  upon  the  Pacific  coast. 45 


in. 

£«cond  Report  of  March  1844,  gives  the  history  of  the  destruction  of  the 
first  Distillery  alluded  to  by  Hon.  T.  Hartly  Crawford,  also  the  bloody 
affray  with  the  Indian  brave,  and  the  settlement  with  the  Tribes,  and 
relatives ........  6S 

Part  of  the  Fall  Report  of  1844,  giving  the  destruction  of  second  Distil-    . 
lery,  and  settlers  concurrence «... 61 

Littlejohn's  letter  giving  the  improvements  among  the  up-country  Indiana, 
where  he  has  been  engaged 62 

H.  A.  G.  Lee's  sensible  report  upon  state  of  affairs  among  Nez  Perces. 
Keyuse,  and  Wallawallas,  where  he  was  sent  by  Dr.  White  as  special 
Agent,  or  safe  conduct  to  the  emigrants — worthy  of  careful  perusal 64* 

Hon.  William  Medill's  Report  of  November,  1845,  to  William  L.  Marcy, 
Secretary  of  War,  giving  a  glowing  account  of  Indian  schools  and  im 
provements  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains .,....„ 6ft 

Dr.  White's  Report  to  the  War  Department,  April,  1845  ;  giving  the  rio- 
lent  death  of  young  Chief  Elijah  Heading,  trouble  of  an  Indian^  brave, 
prosperity  of  the  Colony,  &c 6f 

Letter  of  Hon.  John  C .  Spencer,  late  Secretary  of  War,  giving  the  circum 
stances  of  Dr.  White's  appointment,  and  commending  his  course  as  an 
officer  of  Government »...,...>  79 

Action  of  Legislature — unanimously  voting  Doctor  White  bearer  of  Des 
patches,  &c.,  at  Washington 81 

Reflections  upon  the  condition  of  the  Indian  tribes,  and  what  ought,  and 
must  be  done  to  improve  their  condition 81 


INTERIOR  DEPARTMENT, 

MAT  IST,  1861. 

I  hereby  certify  that  the  enclosed  letters,  recommending  Dr. 
Elijah  White,  are  true  copies  of  the  originals  now  on  file  in  this 
office. 

JOHN  F.  MOORE, 

Copyist. 


TESTIMONIALS. 


10,  1661. 

Will  the  Commissioner  of  Indian  Affairs  consider  whether  ^ 

Dr.  White  desires  can  be  made  available  for  good,  and   then/ 
whether  the  Executive  has  any  lawful  authority  to  do  it. 

*A.  LINCOLN. 


If  AT  tost,  ISfl. 

.  A.  LINCOLN., 

President  United  Stale*. 

DEA?.  S:?. :  Dr.  Las  again  called  my  attention  to  yoor 

note  in  relation  to  his  appointment  to  a  mission  on  the  Pacific 
coast.  I  have  not  hesitated  to  recommend  the  appointment  on 
the  account  of  any  objection  to  Dr.  White.  I  consider  him  emi 
nently  qualified  for  any  position  in  the  Indian  service.  I  have, 
however,  doubted  the  necessity  of  any  additional  officers  to  carry 
out  his  vie^-s.  I  have  thought  the  Superintendent  of  Indian  Af 
fairs  could  and  should  attend  to  the  duties  proposed  to  be  per 
formed  by  him  ;  many  others  of  moreexperience  and  better  quali 
fied  perhaps,  in  every  way,  to  judge  of  this  matter,  think  differ 
ently. 

I  am,  therefore,  not  only  willing,  but  rather  anxious  to  see  the 
experiment  tried,  of  having  an  agent  or  officer  in  that  country 
clothed  with  special  powers  from  the  President,  who  will,  uninflu 
enced  by  the  pressure  surrounding  the  local  superintendents  and 
agents,  keep  the  Department  advised  of  the  condition  of  things 
pertaining  to  the  Indian  service  in  that  country. 

He  could  be  clothed  with  power  to  restrain  both  the  whites  and 
the  Indians  from  their  wicked  raids  upon  each  other.  But,  to  do 
this,  he  must  have  some  miiitaiy  power,  or  power  over  the  mili 
tary,  and  this  is  as  necessary  to  prevent  depredations  of  whites 
upon  as  of  the  Indians  upon  the  whites.  It  is  a  true 

saying,  that  "  it4  cheaper  to  feed  Indians  than  to  fight  them,"  and 
'2 


6 

it  is  equally  true,  that  our  wars  with  them  will  continue  BO  long  as 
wrongs,  (often  imaginary,)  committed  by  individual  Indians,  are 
redressed  upon  the  whole  tribe  by  unauthorized  bands  of  whites, 
who  expect,  and  who  have  heretofore  received  pay  for  their  slaugh 
ter  of  the  Indians  from  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States. 

I  have  very  little  doubt  that  a"  faithful  agent  could  bring  to  our 
knowledge  sufficient  cases  of  unnecessary  expenses,  to  much  more 
than  reimburse  the  expenses  incurred  by  his  appointment,  and 
which  might  remain  unknown  but  for  him.  I  will  close  by  saying, 
that  I  have  been  anxious  to  secure  the  services  of  Dr.  White  and 
Dr.  Dart  in.  the  Department  over  which  you  have  appointed  me 
to  preside.  They  have  large  experience,  and,  I  believe,  they  have 
a  clear  record. 

I  have  no  doubt  about  your  having  the  legal  power  to  appoint 
an  agent  of  this  kind,  should  you  think  proper  to  do  so. 

Respectfully  yours, 

WILLIAM  P.  DOLE. 

I  entirely  concur  in  all  that  is  said  in  the  foregoing  letter  of  the 
Commissioner  on  Indian  Affairs. 

SOLOMON  FOOT. 


(From  the  Ithaca  Journal  and  Advertiser.) 

We  observed  by  a  late  number  of  the  "  National  Repub 
lican,"  published  at  Washington,  that  Dr.  Elijah  White,  former 
ly  a  citizen  of  this  county,  now  of  San  Francisco,  is  about  recei 
ving  an  important  office  from  the  administration,  as  a  special  agent 
of  Indian  affairs  on  the  Pacific  coast.  * 

This  appointment  will  be  highly  gratifying  to  his  numerous 
Republican  friends  and  former  neighbors  of  Tompkins  and  Schuy- 
ler  counties.  We  cannot  do  justice  to  our  feelings  respecting  this 
appointment  without  saying,  that  Dr.  White  is  eminently  fit  to 
discharge  the  responsible  duties  of  the  office. 


(From  the  National  Republican.) 

"  We  learn  that  the  Commissioner  af  Indian  Affairs,  has  recom 
mended  the  appointment  of  Dr.  E.  White  as  a  special  agent  upon 
our  Pacific  coast,  to  report  upon  measures  of  reform  in  our  Indian 
relations  in  that  quarter,  and  to  be  clothed  with  necessary  powers 
to  prevent  all  such  collisions  between  the  Indians  and  the  whites 
as  are  avoidable.  Both  the  creation  of  this  special  agency,  and 
the  designation  of  Dr.  White  to  fill  it,  are  made  under  the  advice 


of  those  who  best  understand  what  a  sound  Indian  policy  requires, 
such  as  Mr.  Schoolcraft,  Gov.  Gilpin,  and  others. 

'•  A  leading  object  of  this  proposed  appointment,  is  to  give  to 
the  Indian  Bureau  an  officer  on  the  Pacific  coast,  not  likely  to  be 
reached  by  the  local  influences  which  may  affect  the  judgment 
and  action  of  resident  supritendents  and  agents. 

The  present  Commissioner  of  Indian  Affairs  evidently  means 
to  make  an  earnest  endeavor  to  correct  the  abuses  which  have 
grown  up  in  the  widely  extended  and  constantly  increasing  branch 
of  the  public  service,  placed  under  his  charge.  If  he  fails,  it  will 
not  be  from  the  lack  of  courage,  decision,  and  administrative  ability, 
all  of  which  he  possesses  in  an  eminent  degree,  but  because  the 
abuses  are  in  themselves  irremediable.  It  is  not  wonderful  that 
many  think  them  so,  from  their  long  standing,  but  we  do  not  des 
pair  of  their  yielding  to  a  wise  and  faithful  treatment. 

"  Dr.  White  went  to  Oregon  in  1836,  as  a  surgeon  and  physi 
cian  attached  to  the  mission  sent  there  by  the  M.  E.  Church,  and 
which  was  the  first  mission  sent  to  Oregon.  In  1842,  he  was 
charged  by  the  Government  at  Washington  with  the  control  of 
Indian  affairs  in  Oregon,  in  which  he  continued  until  1846,  to  the 
entire  acceptance  of  Hon.  T.  Hartley  Crawford,  Hon.  T.  J. 
Porter  and  Hon.  William  Medill,  who  were  severally  at  the  head 
of  the  Indian  Bureau  during  that  period,  and  his  labors  were 
specially  acknowledged  in  a  report  from  Hon.  J.  C.  Speneer, 
Secretary  of  War. 

"  Dr.  White's  appointment  in  1842,  was  tendered  by  the  Govern 
ment  at  the  instance  of  the  late  Senator,  Dr.  Linn.  In  1846,  he 
gave  up  the  appointment,  in  order  to  visit  Washington,  as  a  repre 
sentative  of  the  interests  of  Oregon,  having  been  unanimously  des 
ignated  to  do  so,  by  the  provisional  Legislature  of  that  Territory." 


(From  the  American  Citizen.) 

ITHACA,  N.  Y. 

The  Doct.  White  here  mentioned,  is  Dr.  Elijah  White,  who 
came  to  this  county  when  about  twenty  years  of  age,  and  remained 
a  citizen,  residing  generally  in  the  town  of  Lansing,  with  occasi 
onal  interruptions,  ingoing  to  Oregon,  until  1849  ;  when  he  went 
to  California  in  a  company  formed  under  his  auspices  at  this 
place.  Few  men  have  passed  through  a  more  varied  experience  in 
connection  with  Indian  life,  and  few  can  be  better  qualified  for  the 
agency,  with  which  it  is  proposed  to  invest  him.  He  is  thoroughly 
acquainted  with  the  Indian  character,  and  knows  precisely  what 
policy  is  most  proper  to  be  adopted  in  respect  to  that  unfortunate 
race.  The  adventures  through  which  he  has  passed,  furnish  a 
sufficient  guaranty  of  his  indomitable  energy  ;  and  superaddcd  to 


8 


this,  are  integrity  and  tenacity  of  purpose.  We  have  no  right  to 
advise,  but  we  may  express  the  hope  that  this  appointment  will 
he  made.  If  Mr.  Lincoln  made  no  poorer  appointments  than 
this,  we  shall  huve  a  rare  list  of  public  servants. 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C  ,  MAY  27TH,  1861. 

HON.  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  United  States. 

SIR  :  I  am  satisfied  from  many  years  experience  and  observa 
tion,  that  our  Indian  system  is  defective.     From  the  days  of  Gen 
eral  Washington  to  the  present  time,  our  Indian  tribes  have  been 
considered  as  a  race  entitled  to  our  highest  benevolence  and  jus 
tice.     The  public  policy  respecting  them  has  been  more  unsettled 
and  fluctuating  than  any  other  department  of  the  Government. 
For  the  purpose  of  making  treaties  with  them,  they  have  been  re 
garded  as  foreign  nations,  but  for  all  other  purposes,  the  Govern 
ment  has  assumed  to  them  the  position  of  a  guardian.     To  take 
care  of  their  funds  and  to  apply  them  in  such  manner  as  best  to 
promote  their  education,  advance  in  agriculture  and  the  arts,  and 
other  means  of  civilization  and  prosperity,  have  been  the  leading 
object  of  policy.     But  as  the  objects  are  to  be  collected  at  a  dis 
tance  from  the  seat  of  Government,  and  as  the  tribes  themselves 
have  often  removed  from  place  to  place  as  civilization  has  pressed 
upon  them,   the  difficulty  of  the  Indian  administration  has  been 
complicated.     Agencies  of  various  kinds  have  been    employed, 
which  have  riot  in  all  cases  secured  the  best   and  most  efficient 
modes  of  procedure.     This  difficulty  has  been  multiplied  in  propor 
tion  as  we  have  proceeded  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  ocean. 
In  California,  Oregon,  and  Washington,  our  Indian  affairs  have, 
from  the  beginning,  assumed  a  peculiar  character.     The  tribes  of 
that  coast  are  perhaps  of  an  inferior  mental  type,  at  any  rate, 
the  inhabitants  have  treated  them  as  such,  wars  and  struggles  be 
tween  themselves  and  the  emigrants  have  made  the  duties  of  our 
agents  in  that  quarter,  onerous,  and  the  present  lamentable  state 
of  affairs  there  is  such  as  to  demand  attention  from  Government. 
I  am  of  opinion  that  an  agent  of  sound  moral  and  mental  charac 
ter,  who  is  practically  acquainted  with  the  Indians  and  the  country 
they  occupy,  if  now  dispatched  to  that  region  to  make  a  report 
upon  the  tribes,  missions  and  stations,  and  the  best  mode  of  lead 
ing  them  on  in  the  paths  of  education  and  industry,  the  Indian  Bu 
reau  would  be  enabled  thereby  to  reach  some  improved  plan  for 
the  reclamation  arid  civilization  of  this  unfortunate  race,  who  is 
entitled  to  our  noblest  sympathies. 

I  am  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

HENRY  R.  SCHOOLCRAFT. 


WASHINGTON  CITY,  MAT  24Tn,  1861. 

HON.  WILLIAM  P.  DOLE, 

Commissioner  of  Indian  Affairs. 

SIR  :  My  much  esteemed  friend  Dr.  E.  White  of  San  Francisco, 
has  called  my  attention  to  a  subject  on  which  (during  the  past 
eight  years,)  I  have  thought  much,  and  seriously  ;  and  after 
reading  his  commendatory  letters  from  the  first  men  on  our  coast, 
many  of  whom  I  am  well  acquainted  with,  I  take  pleasure  in  wri 
ting  a  letter  on  the  subject,  regretting  that  a  letter  sheet  is  much 
too  small  a  space  in  which  to  clearly  show  the  mismanagement, 
and  the  reforms  necessary  in  the  management  of  our  Indian  af 
fairs  on  the  Pacific  coast,  and  that  I  am  unknown  to  yourself,  for 
I  earnestly  desire  that  our  Pacific  Indians  may  be  fairly  dealt 
with,  and  that  the  munificent  provisions  the  Government  has 
mado  for  these  poor  helpless  beings,  may  be  so  dispensed  as  to 
answer  the  purpose  intended. 

I  was  for  some  years  doing  business  in  the  mountains  of  Cali 
fornia,  (Sierra  Nevada,)  during  which  time  I  had  ample  opportu 
nities  of  noticing  the  effects  of  mismanagement,  intentional  or 
otherwise,  which  the  condition  of  the  poor  Indians  about  us,  too 
plainly  showed. 

Subsequently  my  attention  was  drawn  to  the  state  of  things  in 
Washoe,  consequent  upon  the  overrunning  of  these  vallies  by  Cali 
fornia  miners,  whilst  no  attention  was  paid  to  the  comfort  of  the 
Pah  Utes  ;  and  Winnemacca's  speech  to  Colonel  Lander  after  the 
termination  of  that  butchery,  confirmed  my  impressions.  Old 
Winnemucca  said,  that  their  seed  ground  had  been  taken  from  his 
people — the  whites  refused  to  give  them  bread — they  were  driven 
to  the  snowy  mountains,  there  to  starve,  and  the  least  he  could  do 
was  to  try  to  drive  the  whites  from  his  country.  He  had  failed, 
and  now  he  and  his  people  must  waste  away  or  be  compensated 
for  their  lands.  That  speech  tells  sir,  the  true  state  of  things 
amoig  the  tribes  of  our  coast. 

Winnemucca  desired  to  have  his  people  taught  to  grow  grain, 
make  their  own  bread,  and  be  supplied  with  the  means  of  living 
peaceably  and  quietly  amongst  or  near  the  whites. 

I  believe  the  Government  has  so  provided  for  all  our  Indian 
tribes ;  but  sir,  I  have  seen  many  evidences  of  peculations  in 
office.  Much  money  was  paid  by  the  Government  for  food,  &c.  for 
the  Indians,  but  the  poor  creatures  never  tasted  that  food  in  many 
instances. 

The  officers  appointed  by  this  Administration  may  lawfully 
and  faithfully  discharge  their  duties,  and  even  then,  there  is  much 
at  slight  cost,  that  may  be  done  to  keep  those  Indians  happy  and 
peaceable,  and  every  year  their  expenses  grow  less,  until  they 


10 

finally  sustain  themselves  without  expense  to  the  General  Govern 
ment. 

Notwithstanding  the  heavy  sums  of  money  that  have  been  spent 
on  account  of  the  Indians  on  that  coast,  I  do  not  believe  that 
their  condition  has  been  improved  one  iota.  I  do  not  wish  to  be 
understood  as  charging  wholesale  wrong  upon  our  Indian  agents — 
some,  I  believe,  discharged  their  duties  faithfully  and  honestly, 
but  all  did  not  do  so,  and  where  they  did,  many  reforms  might 
have  been  introduced  successfully,  if  the  Government  had  appoin 
ted  some  competent  person  to  visit  each  reservation,  examine  its 
condition,  see  that  the  agents  did  their  duties,  recommend  such 
reforms  to  the  Department  as  presented  themselves  to  his  mind, 
make  the  amelioration  of  the  condition  of  the  poor  Indian  his 
object,  the  keeping  of  the  peace  between  them  and  the  whites,  his 
object ;  and  always  keeping  in  view  the  interests  of  the  Govern 
ment,  his  employer. 

I  believe  such  an  officer  on  that  coast,  necessary ;  he  must  be 
honest,  faithful,  and  capable.  Dr.  E.  White,  who  thoroughly 
understands  the  Indians,  their  wants  and  necessities,  and  is  fully 
alive  to  the  obligations  of  a  Government  officer,  is  pre-eminently 
the  man  for  the  position.  I  know  many  Indian  agents,  but  I 
know  none  the  equal  of  Dr.  White,  the  kind,  capable,  faithful,  and 
the  just. 

This  letter  may  do  neither  himself  or  the  Indians  any  good, 
for  I  am  entirely  unknown  by  yourself,  but  I  am  sure  that  if  you 
were  as  familiar  with  the  condition  of  things  on  the  Pacific  coast 
as  I  am,  you  would  acknowledge  the  truths  I  have  presented  for 
your  consideration.  During  an  interview  with  Mr.  Schoolcraft  of 
this  city,  I  found  that  he  argreed  fully  with  me,  that,  in  the  ab 
sence  of  Congress,  the  Executive  has  full  power  to  send  such  an 
officer,  and  I  am  sure  the  Administration  will  never  regret  it,  if 
done ;  for  much  money  and  many  lives  would  probably  be  saved, 
by  the  faithful  performance  of  this  duty ;  and  believing  that  no 
better  selection  than  Dr.  White  could  be  made  for  that  position, 
I  do  not  hesitate  to  recommend  him. 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  A.  ROLLINGS. 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  MAY  16ra,  1861. 

HON.  WILLIAM  P.  DOLE, 

Commissioner  of  Indian  Affairs. 

^  SIK  :  I  have  pleasure  in  addressing  you  in  reference  to  Dr. 
Elijah  White.  He  was  our  first  Indian  agent  among  the  tribes 
on  the  Pacific  coast;  and  by  his  social,  moral,  and  intellectual 


11 

character  during  a  long  residence  in  that  region  of  country;  ha» 
acquired  a  reputation  above  that  of  any  other  officer  of  the  Indian 
Department  in  that  region.  He  is  well  acquainted  with  the  In 
dian  character,  and  with  the  policy  that  should  be  pursued  respect 
ing  them.  He  is  well  known  to  the  Indian  tribes,  and  would 
have  an  important  influence  among  them.  I  know  of  no  person 
who  is  so  competent  to  execute  the  office  of  Indian  affairs  on  the 
Pacific  coast ;  and  I  earnestly  hope  you  will  confer  on  him  an  ap 
pointment. 

I  am  sir,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

HENRY  R.  SCHOOLCRAFT, 


WASHINGTON,  MA-RCH  25TBP,  1861, 

HON.  CALEB  G.  SMITH, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 

Dr.  Elijah  White  of  San  Francisco,  for  twenty-five  years  resident 
in  Oregon  and  California,  asks  the  position  of  "  Superintendent  of 
Indians  for  the  State  of  California." 

Dr.  White  was  accredited  agent  in  Oregon  for  several  years 
before  the  treaty  of  London.  He  performed  inestimable  services 
for  a  very  meagre  salary.  I  was  his  guest  in  1843  and  1844,  on 
the  Willamette.  He  is  entitled  to  the  gratitude  of  the  American 
people,  as  an  energetic  leader  of  the  verj  first  settlement  on  the  Pa 
cific.  He  is  in  all  things  worthy  of  this  office  ;  of  sterling  integrity, 
energy,  capacity,  experience,  and  fitness.  An  intimate  acquain 
tance  with  himself,  his  career,  and  the  tenor  of  his  useful  life,  all 
prompt  me  to  zealously  recommend  him,  and  urge  the  great  pro 
priety  and  justice  of  his  appointment. 
Respectfully, 

1  WILLIAM  GILPIN. 

Governor  of  Colorado  Territory. 


WASHINGTON  CITY,  D.  C.,  JUKK  20, 1861. 

To  His  EXCELLENCY, 

The  President  of  the  United  States 

HONORED  SIR:  I  feel  so  strongly  desirous  that  your  great 
/ather-ship  over  the  suffering  Indian  family,  may  be  put  upon  an 
elevation  never  yet  attained,  and  for  which  the  poor  savage  is  so 
deeply  interested,  that  I  am  induced  to  express  to  you  a  few  of 
the  most  convincing  reasons  for  the  appointment  of  Dr.  Elijah 
White,  as  a  supervisory  agent  of  the  Pacific  coast. 


12 

From  an  intimate  acquaintance  of  nearly  twelve  years  with  Dr. 
White,  and  the  Indian  interests  of  the  Pacific  coast,  I  feel  com 
petent  to  say  that  for  sterling  integrity,  moral  worth,  natural  and 
acquired  ability,  extensive  knowledge  of,  and  earnest  zeal  for,  as 
well  indomitable  energy,  skill  and  perseverance  in  this  enterprise, 
no  man  probably  can  be  found  in  every  respect,  so  thoroughly 
qualified  as  Doctor  White — his  high  standing  among  the  scientific, 
literary,  and  religious  bodies  of  the  Pacific — his  ardent  spirit  and 
devotion,  as  well  as  unconquerable  will,  in  this  much  needed  re 
form,  and  with  all  his  genial  social  nature  imbued  with  this  one 
mission  of  mercy — his  great  experience  and  sound  practical  judg 
ment  so  manifest  in  his  past  federal  record ;  all  these  with  many 
other  reasons  entitles  him,  honored  sir,  to  your  most  favorable 
consideration ;  and  rest  assured  sir,  should  the  imploring  cries 
of  those  suffering  children  of  the  Great  Father  for  humane  and 
kind  treatment  be  rendered,  it  will  call  down  upon  you  Heaven's 
blessings. 

In  my  judgment,  this  great  desideratum  cannot  be  attained  by 
the  present  agency  system.  There  must  be  a  government  officer 
"  over  all,"  not  a  disbursing  one,  but  an  over-seer  so  far  re 
moved  from  the  various  temptations  attendant  on  the  present 
agency  system,  as  to  ensure  justice,  both  to  Governmet  and  the 
governed. 

From  what  attention  and  observation  I  have  been  able  to  give, 
I  am  clearly  of  the  opinion  much  evil  might  be  averted  and  hun 
dreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  saved  to  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States  annually  in  wars  and  other  ways,  by  the  appointment  of 
such  an  officer,  and  the  funds  appropriated  for  the  poor  humbled, 
needy  aboriginees  go  to  the  objects  designed  by  the  Government. 
Therefore,  for  this  special  supervisory  agency  I  pray  your  most 
fovorable  consideration  ;  and  I  trust  it  will  be  inaugurated,  as  I 
feel  assured  it  will  give  an  earnest  of  a  better  rule  in  Indian  af 
fairs  upon  the  Pacific  coast. 

With  highest  respect,  I  am  most  sincerely, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

ROBERT  KELLEN. 
Member  of  the  California  Annual  Conference 

of  Methodist  Church. 


LUDLOWVILLE,  TOMPKINS  COUNTY,  N.  Y,, 

JUNE  STH,  1861. 

HON.  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD, 

Secretary  of  State. 
RESPECTED  SIR  :  Permit  me  to  say  a  word  in  favor  of  the  ap- 


13 

pointment  as  "  Special  agent  over  Indian  affairs  for  the  Pacific 
coast,"  of  the  bearer  hereof,  Doctor  Elijah  White. 

From  an  acquaintance  with  Dr.  White— *a  portion  of  the  time,  a 
very  intimate  acquaintance  for  about  twenty  years,  I  feel  fully 
justified  in  speaking  of  him  as  eminently  fitted  for  this  position. 
He  is  not  only  "  honest  and  capable,"  but  has  had  large  acquain 
tance  with  the  Indian  tribes,  and  possesses  in  a  most  extraordi 
nary  degree,  the  qualities  and  qualifications  to  render  him  a  most 
effective  and  successful  agent*  Dr.  White,  through  a  course  of 
large  experience,  presents  a  record  untarnished,  and  such  as  gives 
the  assurance  that  he  seeks  the  present  appointment,  not  alone 
for  the  selfish  purpose  of  promoting  his  awn  interests,  but  for 
the  object  of  benefiting  the  Indian  tribes,  as  well  as  protecting 
the  honor  of  the  American  Government. 

With  great  consideration, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

BENJAMIN  JOY. 

Mr.  Joy  was  a  member  of  the  Committee  on  Indian  affairs  in 
the  Legislature  of  New  York  in  1856. 

E.  W. 


ITHACA,  FBBBLARY  'J,  1861. 

HON.  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD. 

DEAR  GOVERNOR  :  Permit  me  the  pleasure  of  introducing  to 
your  favorable  notice  Dr.  Dlijah  White  of  San  Francisco,  Cali 
fornia,  who  is  not  entirely  unknown  to  fame.  From  many  years 
personal  acquaitnance,  almost  from  boyhood,  J  can  cheerfully 
bear  testimony  to  his  moral  character,  and  standing  as  a  man. 
And  also  the  records  of  the  Federal  Government  show  that  he 
has  faithfully,  and  with  distinguished  ability,  for  several  years 
discharged  perilous,  laborious,  and  responsible  duties  of  sub-agent 
among  the  Indian  tribes  of  Oregon. 

We  can  almost  in  truth  say,  that  he  has  introduced  in  his  own 
person,  the  imigration  to,  and  settlement  of  our  Pacific  coast. 

You  will  observe  he  is  desiring  from  the  incoming  administra 
tion,  an  office — superintendent  of  the  Indian  tribes  in  the 
State  of  California.  By  his  peculiar  knowledge  of  the  Indian 
character,  he  is  well  qualified  to  discharge  its  multifarious  and 
arduous  duties,  with  honor  to  himself  and  country. 

Indeed,  sir,  in  all  my  acquaintance,  I  do  not  know  a  man  so  well 
fitted  for  the  office,  as  Dr.  White. 

He  comes  highly  recommended  from  his  friends  and  republican 
people  of  his  own  state.  Therefore,  I  earnestly  solicit  that  if  you 
3 


14 

can,  consistent  with  public  duty,  after  the  inauguration  of  the 
President  elect  you  will  give  him  the  influence  of  your  distinguished 
name,  and  impress  upon  the  appointing  power  his  appointment. 
P»v  so  doing,  you  will  confer  a  favor  upon  a  worthy  man,  and 
which  will  be  highly  gratifying  to  your  numerous  friends  of 
Tompkins  County,  his  former  place  of  residence.  And  I  am 
assured  that  the  appointment  would  be  alike  gratifying  to  your 
ardent  and  devoted  friends  of  the  golden  State,  of  which  he  is  one 
of  your  honorable  admirers. 

Believing,  also,  that  the  time  has  already  arrived  in  the  history 
of  the  country  when  HONEST  MEN  are  about  taking  possession  of 
the  Government — and  thus  believing,  I  can  but  hope  that  his  ap 
pointment,  in  due  time,  will  be  made.  Meantime  believe  me  to 
be,  very  truly,  your  friend. 

SAMUEL  LOVE. 


SENATE  CHAMBER,  MABCH  STH,  1861. 

HON.  C.  B.  SMITH, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 

SIR  :  The  bearer  of  this  note,  Dr.  E.  White  of  California,  de 
sires  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  that  state. 

I  have  no  doubt  of  his  eminent  fitness  and  purity  of  character, 
and  hope  you  may  find  it  consistent  with  your  convictions  of  pub 
lic  duty,  to  advise  his  appointment. 

Should  you  hare  doubt  after  reading  his  papers,  I  hope  action 
may  be  delayed  until  recommendations  now  on  the  way  from  Cal 
ifornia,  may  have  been  received  and  presented. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  HARLAN. 


SAN  FRANCISCO,  DBCEMBBE  lire,  1860. 

HON.  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  of  the  United  States. 

DEAR  SIR  :  I  am  aware  that  I  pass  beyond  the  line  of  estab 
lished  authority,  in  undertaking  to  join  in  any  recommendation 
to  a  Republican  Administration,  but  I  will  offer  the  character  and 
qualifications  of  Dr.  White,  (they  being  exceptional,)  as  my  apol 
ogy- 

Dr.  White  was,  at  a  very  early  day,  sub-Indian  agent  in  Oregon, 
and  was  the  first  to  lead  an  emigration  to  that  portion  of  our 
Territories.  He  filled  the  position  several  years,  and  received  the 


15 

highest  testimonials  from  those  whose  business   it   was  to  under 
stand  the  nature  of  his  services. 

His  past  experience,  and  I  believe  his  personal  character,  emi 
nently  qualify  him  for  the  really  delicate  and  difficult  task  he 
seeks  to  be  employed  about.  For  some  years  past,  he  has  been  a 
resident  of  San  Francisco,  and  is  highly^esteemed  as  a  gentleman 
of  intelligence  and  integrity.  As  for  his  political  merits,  his  fel 
low  Republicans  will  be  able  to  speak  for  him.  Having  been 
called  upon  by  Dr.  White  for  my  voice  in  his  favor,  I  have  felt  it 
my  duty  to  answer  his  request  by  this  note,  trusting  that  if  it  be 
of  no  service  to  him,  as  a  recommendation,  it  will  not  at  any  rate, 
prejudice  the  just  consideration  to  which  his  party  recommenda 
tions  may  entitle  him. 

Respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  A.  McDOUGALL. 


SAN  FRANCISCO,  NOVEMBER  20,  1860. 

HON.  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  elect  of  the  U,  S.  of  America. 

DEAR  SIR  :  I  have  been  intimately  acquainted  with  Dr.  Elijah 
White,  of  the  city  of  San  Francisco,  California,  for  more  than  six 
years.  Dr.  White  is  a  gentleman  of  good  education,  of  good  cha 
racter,  and  highly  esteemed  by  the  citizens  of  San  Francisco,  and 
by  the  people  of  the  State  of  California. 

He  is  a  gentleman  of  enlarged  experience,  good  practical  judg 
ment,  and  entire  integrity.  He  is  a  good  Republican,  and  during 
the  campaign  has  fought  the  battle  for  Lincoln  and  Hamlin,  and 
Republican  principles,  with  a  zeal  and  a  power  worthy  of  the  cam 
paign  of  1860. 

In  my  judgment,  Dr.  Elijah  White,  is  well  calculated  to  per 
form  with  credit  to  himself,  with  credit  to  your  administration, 
and  with  satisfaction  to  the  people  of  California,  the  duties  of  the 
position  of  superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  in  this  State,  or  any 
agency  thereto  belonging;  and  with  the  fullest  belief  of  his  fitness, 
I  recommend  him  to  your  favorable  consideration. 

And,  in  conclusion,  allow  me  to  say,  that  I  too  am  a  Republican, 
and  am  a  senator  elect  to  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  and  I  am 
also  a  personal  acquaintance  and  friend  of  the  Hon.  Hannibal 
Hamlin,  Vice  President  elect  of  the  United  States. 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

CALEB  BURBANK, 


16 

SAN  FRANCISCO,  NOVEMBER  24,  Ho. 

HON.  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  eUct  of  the  U.  S.  of  America. 

DEAR  SIR:  I  have  just  read  a  letter  of  the  Hon.  Caleb  Bur- 
bank,  dated  San  Francisco,  November  20,  1860,  regarding  the 
character,  position,  and  abilities  of  Dr.  Elijah  White ;  and  from 
an  acquaintance  with  the  Doctor  for  more  than  five  years,  I  am 
able  to  con6rm  all  therein  set  forth. 
Very  respectfully, 

WILLIAM  SHERMAN, 
President  of  Republican  Central  Club  of  San  Francisco. 


SAN  FRANCISCO,  NOYEMBKR  2.-,,  i860. 

tils  Excellency,  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  of  the  United  States. 

SIR  :  The  bearer  of  this,  Dr.  Elijah  White,  is  an  applicant  for 
the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  California.  It 
has  been  thought  proper  hitherto  to  bestow  that  office  upon  gam 
blers  and  dishonest  men.  We  shall  all  agree  that  men  of  opposite 
character  should  be  employed  in  all  positions,  and  especially  in 
one  where  the  reformation  of  the  Indian  depends  so  much  upon 
the  personal  feeling  and  character  of  his  overseer.  Dr.  White 
was  for  some  years  sub-agent  on  this  coast*  under  Tyler  and  Polk, 
and  has  a  full  knowledge  of  the  duties  of  the  place.  He  is  also  a 
man  of  first-rate  reputation;  His  appointment  will  give  universal 
satisfaction.  Either  of  the  Senators  from  Vermont  or  Wisconsin, 
will  do  me  the  honor,  I  think,  to  vouch  for  my  character,  as  show 
ing  the  value  of  my  recommendation. 
Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  Me  M.  SH AFTER, 

State  Senator  for  California. 


SAN  FRANCISCO,  D»CE»IBBH  1st,  1860. 

HON.  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  elect  of  the  United  States. 

HONORED  SIR  :  The  bearer  of  this,  Dr.  Elijah  White,  is  an  ap 
plicant  for  the  position  of  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  the 
Northern  District  of  California,  and  it  affords  me  sincere  pleasure 
to  recommend  him  to  you  as  a  suitable  person  to  administer  the 
duties  of  that  office.  An  experience  of  several  years  in  a  similar 
position  in  Oregon,  has  enabled  him  to  acquire  a  fund  of  valuable 
practical  information  in  relation  to  the  management  of  the  Indi- 


17 

ans  peculiar  to  this  coast,  by  means  of  which  he  will,  if  appoin 
ted,  he  able  to  conduct  the  affairs  of  his  office,  from  the  commence 
ment  of  his  term,  with  credit  to  himself,  and,  as  I  have  reason  to 
believe,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Government. 

Dr.  White  is  an  upright  and  honorable  gentleman,  a  consistent 
and  hard  working  Republican^  and  I  consider  him,  in  all  respects, 
worthy  the  position  to  which  he  aspires. 

I  am,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  W.  CHERRY, 
Assemblyman  from  San  Francisco,  1858,  '59,  and  '61, 


SAN  FRANCISCO,  DECEMBER  HTH,  1861. 

HON.  A.  LINCOLN, 

DEAR  SIR  :  For  a  number  of  years  I  have  been  well  acquain 
ted  with  Dr.  E.  White,  and  know  him  to  be  an  esteemed  citizen, 
and  an  earnest,  active,  EFFICIENT  Republican. 

Having  been  connected  with  the  management  of* Indian  Affairs, 
he  is  well  fitted  for  a  prominent  position  in  that  Department. 
Yours  truly, 

JAMES  A.  BANKS, 
Republican  member  of  Assembly  from  San  Francisco, 

for  1858,  '59,  amJ'61. 


SAN  FRANCISCO,  NOVEMBER  2»TH,  1860. 

HON.  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  elect  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

DEAR  SIR  :  I  nave  learned  -with  satisfaction  that  Dr.  Elijah 
White  of  San  Francisco,  is  an  applicant  for  an  appointment  from 
your  Excellency*  as  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  the 
Northern  District  of  the  State  of  California.  The  Doctor  was  one 
of  the  earliest  pioneers  of  the  Pacific  coast,  having  emigrated  to 
Oregon  as  early  as  1842,  where  he  served  the  Government  of 
the  United  States  as  Indian  agent  for  that  territory,  under  the 
administration  of  Presidents  Tyler  and  Polk.  From  Oregon,  he 
came  to  California  at  an  early  period  of  her  history  as  a  State, 
and  where  I  have  known  him  for  several  years  as  an  honest  and 
upright  citizen,  and  it  is  with  unfeigned  pleasure  that  I  recom 
mend  him  to  you  as  an  active  and  consistent  Republican,  and  an 
excellent  individual  for  the  position  he  seeks  from  your  hands. 

Most  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

S.  S.  TILTON, 
Member  of  Jssembh/  of  State  of  California, 

and  12th  scssions—ISM  '61, 


18 

SAN  FRANCISCO, DBCEMUBU  27TU,1S60. 

To  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  elect  of  tl\&  United  States. 

DEAR  SIR  :  After  twelve  years  intimate  aquaintance  with  Dr. 
E.  White,  I  take  great  pleasure  in  recommending  him  as  a  suita 
ble  person  for  Indian  agent  for  the  Northern  District  of  Califor 
nia. 

He  has  had  much  experience  among  Indians,  and  is  therefore 
familiar  with  their  characteristics,  having  been  a  long  time  agent 
of  Indian  Affairs  in  the  early  settlement  of  Oregon. 

I  know  of  no  man  who  would  be  so  likely  to  preserve  peace  be 
tween  the  whites  and  Indians  without  resort  to  arms. 
I  am,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

A.  S.  BROWN, 
District  Attorney  for  city  and  county  of  San  Francisco. 


WASHINGTON,  D.  G.,  MARCH  STH,  1861. 

HON.  JAMES  HARLAN, 

U.  S.  Senator. 

DEAR  SIR  :  Dr.  E.  White  informs  me,  that  he  is  an  applican  t 
for  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  in  California- 
While  I  have  no  desire  to  meddle  with  the  appointments,  I  desire 
to  say  that  I  knew  the  Doctor  in  an  early  day  in  Oregon,  and 
while  he  was  connected  with  the  Indian  Department  there,  and 
believe  that  he  discharged  his  duties  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
people  and  the  Government. 

Respectfully  yours, 

J.  W.  NESMITH. 


WASHINGTON,  FEBRUARY  25rn,  1861. 

ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  of  the  United  States. 

My  connection  with  Indian  agencies  in  Oregon,  gave  me  an 
early  acquaintance  with  Dr.  E.  White,  who  had  at  an  early  day 
been  sent  to  Oregon  by  the  then  War  Department,  as  sub-agent 
of  Indian  Affairs. 

I  believe  Dr.  White  was  a  faithful  and  efficient  officer,  and  is 
now  well  qualified  to  conduct  Indian  Affairs  under  the  unpopular 
basis  of  peace  and  economy. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

ANSON  DART, 

Late  Superintendent. 


ROOMS  OF  THE  CAL.  ACADEMY  OF  NATURAL  SCIENCES, 

SAN  FRANCISCO,.  Dtcetnfar  4tfir  18W, 

To  his  Excellency  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  of  the  United  States. 

SIR  :  Having  been  personally  acquainted  for  many  years  with 
Dr.  Elijah  White,  (the  applicant  for  Superintendent  of  Indian 
Affairs  in  the  Northern  District  of  this  State,)  I  take  great  plea 
sure  in  recommending  him  as  a  person  fitted  by  experience  and 
nature  for  the  position  he  seeks.  He  served  the  Government  un 
der  President  Tyler's  administration  in  Oregon,  as  Indian  agent 
and  was  re-appointed,  notwithstanding  political  differences,  by 
President  Polfr.  He  bears  letters  of  high  order  from  the  Hon. 
John  C.  Spencer  and  others  belonging  to  the  Cabinet  created  by 
the  lamented  President  Harrison.  He  gave  great  satisfaction 
to  the  residents  of  what  was  then  Oregon  country.  His  gentle, 
yet  firm  demeanor  in  those  early,  turbulent,  and  un propitious 
times,  was  productive  of  much  good,  and  probably  saved  the 
lives  of  many  citizens.  It  is  a  note-worthy  fact,  that  in  les-s  than 
six  months  after  he  resigned  the  post,  Dr.  Marcus  Whitman  and 
his  family  were  barbarously  murdered  by  the  Indians.  I  will 
also  add,  that  Dr.  White  ha's  long  been  a  member  and  is  now  a 
corresponding  member  of  our  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  in 
the  advancement  of  which  he  feels  a  warm  interest.  I  am  glad 
that  the  officials  of  our  own  Government,  like  those  of  England, 
Germany,  and  France,  are  ready  to  further  a  knowledge  of 
the  Arts  and  Sciences,  by  a  friendly  co-operation  with  the  stu 
dents  of  their  various  institutions  of  learning. 
I  am  sir, 

Yours  with  much  respect, 

HIRAM  G.  BLOOMER, 
Curator  of  Botany  and  Treasurer  of 

Academy  of  Natural  Sciences 


SACRAMENTO,  CALIFORNIA,  JANUARY  16-fff,  1861. 

To  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  of  the  United  States. 

The  undersigned,  Republican  members  of  the  Legislature  of 
California,  take  pleasure  in  recommending  to  your  favorable  con 
sideration,  Dr.  Elijah  White  of  San  Francisco,  who  is  known  to 
us  as  an  ardent  and  devoted  advocate  of  the  principles  of 


go 

the  Republican   party,  ami  3   citizen  of   undoubted  integrity  of 
character. 

CALEB  BURBANK,  L  A.  BANKS, 

J.  MeM.  SRHAFTKH,  A.  W.  BLAIR, 

T.  G.  PHELPS,  F,  F.  FAGO, 

JOHN  W.  CHERRY,  J.  H.  MORGAN, 

A.  L.  BLOMS,  E.  11   HEACOCK,  £<•//«/"/• 

H.  W.  BRIGGS,  JNO.  M.  AVEUV, 

S.  S.  TILTON,  CHARLES  B.  PORTER, 

0.  F.  WILLEY,  ALEX.  CAMPBELL, 

ALVAN  F.  CANETV,  E.  W.  COUNCILMAN, 

FRED,  J.  E.  8ETTEL  E.  F.  SPENCE,    N«vodat 

W.  D.  HANIMAN,  CHARLES  FORD, 

C.  CROEKER,  ROBERT  CLARK. 


REPOBUCAN  STATE  CENTRAL  COMM1TTE  ROOMS, 

SAN  FRANCISCO,  Dtc.t  1860. 

To  the  HON  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  elect  of  the  United  States. 

DEAR  SIR  :  We  desire  to  testify  that  Dr.  Elijah  White  has 
been  for  a  number  of  years  an  ardent  and  active  Republican,  and 
we  believe  he  would  honestly  and  assiduously  perform  the  duties 
of  any  office  which  you  might  see  fit  to  confer  upon  him. 

We  remain,  &c  , 

Your  obedient  servants, 

B.  W.  HATHAWAY, 
HENRY  BAKER, 
JOHN  SATTERLEE, 
GILBERT  A.  GRANT. 


NOVEMBER  23d,  1860. 

To  His  Excellency,  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  of  United  States. 

SIR  :  I  have  been  requested  by  Dr.  E.  White,  an  old  resident 
of  this  city,  to  place  in  writing  my  opinion  as  to  his  fitness  for 
the  position  of  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs. 

I  have  no  hesitation  in  stating  that  Dr.  White  is  particularly 
well  qualified  to  fill  that  position  with  credit  to  the  Republican 
party.  His  sound  judgment,  the  goodness  of  heart  and  charity 
which  he  has  manifested  so  clearly  during  his  long  residence 
ten  years)  among  us,  as  well  as  the  persecution  he  has  already 
endured  for  his  devotion  to  Republican  principles,  seem  to  me  as 
strong  recommendations  for  the  position.  He  has  also  an  enlarged 


21 

experience,  acquired  during  a  service  of  five  years  in  the  Indian 
Department  some  time  ago. 

Respectfully  yours, 

MARTIN  J.  BURKE, 
Chief  of  Police  of  City  and  County,  San  Francisco,  California. 


WASHINGTON,  MARCH  HTH,  1801, 

DOCT.  E.  WHITE, 

DEAR  SIR  :  I  understand  you  are  an  applicant  for  Superin 
tendent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  California,  and  I  deem  it  an  act  of 
justice,  as  it  is  a  pleasure,  to  say  that,  during  the  four  years  you 
held  the  position  of  sub-agent  of  Indian  affairs  in  Oregon,  the  In 
dians  were  really  peaceable,  and  the  most  friendly  relations  exis 
ted  between  them  and  the  white  settlers ;  and  from  my  personal 
knowledge  I  am  satisfied  that  your  policy  was  just  toward  the 
Indians  and  economical  to  the  Government. 


Very  respectfully  yours, 

M.  CRAWFORD,  Oregon. 


Mr.  Crawford  during  the  last  session  was  a  member  of  the 
Oregon  Legislature. 

E.  WHITE. 


WASHINGTON,  MAT  6,  1861. 

To  His  Excellency  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

President  of  the  United  States, 

DEAR  SIR:  Doctor  Elijah  White,  now  of  California,  was  pre 
vious  to  the  year  1836,  a  resident  of  Havana,  New  York.  In 
the  year  183G,  he  went  to. the  Columbia  river,  now  in  the  State  of 
Oregon,  as  Physician  to  the  Missions,  and  at  a  time  when  that  re 
gion  of  country  was  almost  unknown.  Some  years  subsequently 
he  returned,  was  appointed  Indian  sub-agent,  and  took  across  the 
mountains  over  a  hundred  emigrants  and  made  the  first  general 
settlement  of  Americans  on  the  Pacific  coast. 

During  several  years  of  personal  acquaintance  with  Dr.  White, 
I  knew  him  to  be  an  honorable  high  minded  gentleman,  possessing 
great  energy  of  character,  active  benevolence,  and  strict  moral 
integrity. 

Believing  him  to  be  well  qualified,  from  long  and  intimate  ac 
quaintance  with  the  various  Indian  tribes  west  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  to  discharge  with  ability  any  duty  in  that  connection, 
I  would  bespeak  for  him  a  favorable  consideration  at  your  hands. 

Very  respectfully, 

N.  CORYELL, 
4 


HAVANA,  N.  V.,  .liNB  lOrH,  1801. 

HON.  WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD, 

Secretary  of  State. 

SIR:  I  Rave  been  acquainted  with  Dr.  Elijah  White,  for  many 
vears,  he  was  formerly  a  resident  of  our  village,  but  left  here  near 
twenty  years  since,  to  discharge  the  duties  of  an  agency  on  the 
Pacific  coast,  since  which  he  has  only  been  here  occasionally. 

I  have  ever  regarded  the  Doctor  a  highly  honorable  man,  of 
sound  morality,  and  worthy  of  confidence. 
Very  respectfully,  &c., 

CHARLES  COOK, 
Late  Canal  Commissioner  of  New  York. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  WAR, 

OFFICE  OF  INDIAN  AFFAIRS,  Jfov.  25M,  1848. 

HON.  J.  M.  PORTER, 

Secretary  of  War. 

I  submit  a  report  (104)  from  the  sub-agent  west  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  received  on  9th  August  last.  It  furnishes  some  deep 
ly  interesting  and  curious  details  respecting  certain  of  the  Indian 
tribes  in  that  remote  part  of  our  territories.  The  Nes  Perces  are 
represented  to  be  "more  noble,  industrious,  sensible,  and  better 
disposed  towards  the  whites,"  than  the  others.  Their  conduct  on 
the  occasion  of  an  important  meeting  between  Dr.  White  and 
their  leading  men  impresses  one  most  agreeably.  The  school  es 
tablished  for  their  benefit  is  very  numerously  attended,  while  it  is 
gratifying  to  learn  that  this  is  not  the  only  establishment  for 
Indian  instruction  which  has  been  made  and  conducted  with  success. 

There  will  also  be  found  in  this  paper  some  particulars  as  to  the 
soil,  watercourses,  &c.,  of  the  Territory  of  Oregon,  which  may  be 
interesting  at  this  time,  when  public  attention  is  so  much  directed 
to  the  region  beyond  the  Rocky  Mountains. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

T.  HARTLEY  CRAWFORD, 

T.  HARTLEY  CRAWFOKD,  ESQ., 

Commissioner  Indian  Affairs. 

OREGON,  APRIL  1,1843. 

SIR  :  On  my  arrival,  I  had  the  honor  and  happiness  of  address 
ing  you  a  brief  communication,  giving  information  of  my  safe  arri 
val,  and  that  of  our  numerous  party,  to  these  distant  snores. 

At  that  time  it  was  confidently  expected  a  more  direct,  certain 
and  expeditious  method  would  be  presented  to  address  you  in  a 
few  weeks ;  but  that  failing,  none  has  offered  till  now. 


23 

I  think  I  mentioned  the  kind  and  hospitable  manner  we  were 
received  and  entertained  on  the  way  by  the  gentlemen  of  the 
Hudson's  Bay  Company,  and  the  cordial  and  most  handsome  re 
ception  I  met  with  at  Fort  Vancouver,  frera  Governor  McLaugh- 
lin,  and  his  worthy  associate  chief  factor,  James  Douglass,  Esq. ; 
my  appointment  giving  pleasure,  rather  than  pain — a  satisfactory 
assurance  that  these  worthy  gentlemen  intend  eventually  to  settle 
in  this  country,  and  prefer  American  to  English  jurisdiction. 

On  my  arrival  in  the  colony,  sixty  miles  south  of  Vancouver, 
being  in  advance  of  the  party,  and  coming  unexpectedly  to  the 
citizens,  bearing  the  intelligence  of  the  arrival  of  so  large  a  rein 
forcement,  and  giving  assurance  of  the  good  intentions  of  our  gov 
ernment,  the  excitement  was  general,  and  two  days  after  we  had 
the  largest  and  happiest  public  meeting  ever  convened  in  this  in 
fant  colony. 

I  found  the  colony  in  peace  and  health,  and  rapidly  increasing 
in  numbers,  having  more  than  doubled  in  population  during  the 
last  two  years.  English,  French,  and  half  breeds,  seem,  equally 
with  our  own  people,  attached  to  the  American  cause;  hence  the 
bill  of  Mr.  Linn,  profferring  a  section  of  land  to  every  white  man 
of  the  territory,  has  the  double  advantage  of  being  popular  and 
useful,  increasing  such  attachment,  and  manifestly  acting  as  a 
strong  incentive  to  all,  of  whatever  nation  or  party,  to  settle  in 
this  country. 

My  arrival  was  in  good  time,  and  probably  saved  much  evil.  I 
had  but  a  short  season  of  rest  after  so  long,  tedious,  and  toilsome 
a  journey,  before  information  reached  me  of  the  improper  conduct 
of  the  upper  country  Indians  towards  the  missionaries  sent  by  the 
American  board  of  commissioners,  accompanied  with  a  passport, 
and  a  desire  for  my  interposition  in  their  behalf  at  once. 

I  allude  to  the  only  three  tribes  from  which  much  is  to  be  hoped, 
or  any  thing  to  be  feared,  in  this  part  of  Oregon.  These  are  the 
Wallawallas,  Keyuse,  and  Nez  Perces,  inhabiting  a  district  of 
country  on  the  Columbia  and  its  tributaries,  commencing  two  hun 
dred  and  forty  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  stretching  to  four  hun 
dred  and  eighty  miles  into  the  interior.  The  Wallawallas,  most 
contiguous  to  the  colony,  number  some  three  thousand,  including 
the  entire  population.  They  are  in  general  poor,  indolent, 
sordid,  and  avaricious ;  and  what  few  have  property,  in  horses  and 
herds,  are  proud,  haughty,  and  insolent.  The  Keyuse,  next  east 
erly,  are  less  numerous,  but  more  formidable,  being  brave,  active, 
tempestuous,  and  warlike.  Their  country  is  well  watered,  gently 
undulating,  extremely  healthy,  and  admirably  adapted  to  grazing, 
as  UY.  Marcus  Whitman  may  have  informed  you,  who  resides  in 
their  midst.  They  are  comparatively  rich  in  herds,  independent 
in  manner,  and  not  imfrequently  boisterous,  saucy,  and  trouble- 


24 

some,  in  language  and  behavior.  The  Ncz  Perccs,  still  further  in 
the  interior,  number  something  less  than  three  thousand ;  they 
inhabit  a  beautiful  grazing  district,  not  surpassed  by  any  I  have 
seen  for  verdure,  water  privileges,  climate  or  health.  This  tribe 
form,  to  some  extent,  an  honorable  exception  to  the  general  In 
dian  character,  being  more  noble,  industrious,  sensible,  and  better 
disposed  towards  the  whites,  and  their  improvements  in  the  arts 
and  sciences ;  and,  though  as  brave  as  Caesar,  the  whites  have 
nothing  to  dread  at  their  hands,  in  case  of  their  dealiug  out  to 
them  what  they  conceive  to  be  right  and  equitable.  Of  late,  these 
three  tribes  have  become  strongly  united  by  reason  of  much  inter 
marriage.  For  the  last  twenty  years  they  have  been  generally 
well  disposed  towards  the  whites ;  but  at  the  time  Captain  Bonnc- 
ville  visited  this  district  of  country,  he  dealt  more  profusely  in 
presents,  and  paid  a  higher  price  for  furs,  than  Mr.  Pambro,  one 
of  the  traders  of  the  Hudson  Bay  Company,  established  at  Walla- 
walla,  who  had  long  dealt  with  them,  and  was  previously  a  gene 
ral  favorite.  On  Mr.  Bonneville's  leaving,  the  chiefs  assembled 
at  the  fort,  and  insisted  on  a  change  of  the  tariff  in  their  favor. 
Pambro  refuting,  they  seized  him,  stamped  violently  upon  his 
breast,  beat  him  severely,  and  retained  him  prisoner,  in  rather 
unenviable  circumstanses,  till  they  gained,  to  a  considerable  ex 
tent,  their  object.  Since  that  time  they  have  been  more  conse 
quential  in  feeling,  and  shown  less  deference  and  respect  to  the 
whites.  On  the  arrival  of  missionaries  among  thems  they  have 
never  failed  to  make,  at  first,  a  most  favorable  inpression,  which 
has,  in  most  instances,  unfortunately,  led  to  too  near  an  approach 
to  familiarity,  operating  alike  prejudicial  to  both  parties.  The 
Rev.  Messrs.  Lee  and  Parker,  who  made  each  but  a  short  stay 
among  them,  left  with  like  favorable  impressions.  Their  succes 
sors,  Spalding,  Whitman,  Gray,  and  ladies,  with  others  who  re 
mained  among  them,  were  at  last  driven  to  the  conclusion  that 
Indians  as  much  resembled  each  other  in  character  as  in  complex 
ion.  These  worthy  people,  not  well  versed  in  Indian  character, 
and  anxious  to  accomplish  a  great  deal  in  a  short  time,  resorted 
to  various  expedients  to  induce  them  to  leave  their  wandering, 
migratory  habits,  and  settle  down  contiguous  to  them  in  herding 
and  agricultural  pursuits,  in  order  to  be  able  to  send  their  numerous 
and  healthy  children  to  school.  In  these  efforts  they  were  zea 
lous  and  persevering,  holding  out  various  inducements  as  so  many 
stimulants  to  action,  most  of  which  would  have  operated  well  in 
civilized  life,  but  generally  failing  with  these  Indians ;  and  whate 
ver  was  promised  conditionally,  whether  the  condition  was  met  or 
otherwise,  there  was  no  reprieve — the  promised  articles  must  come, 
and  sometimes  under  circumstances  sufficiently  trying,  had  these 
missionaries  been  loss  devoted,  to  have  driven  them  from  their  post 
forever. 


25 

The  Indians  having  gained  one  and  another  victory,  became 
more  and  more  insolent,  till  at  last,  some  time  previously  to  my 
arrival,  they  were  not  only  obtrusive  and  exceedingly  annoying 
about  and  in  the  missionaries'  houses,  but  seized  one  of  the  clergy 
men  in  his  own  house — without  a  shadow  of  provocation,  further 
than  that  of  treating  a  better  neighboring  chief  with  more  respect 
than  they — and  insulted  him  most  shamefully;  there  being  no 
other  white  person  within  fifty  miles,  save  his  sick  and  delicate 
lady.  Soon  after  they  commenced  on  Dr.  Whitman;  pulled  his 
ears  and  hair,  and  threw  off  his  hat  three  times  in  the  mud  at  his 
feet.  A  short  time  after,  the  chiefs  assembled,  broke  into  the 
house,  violently  assailed  his  person  with  war  clubs,  and  with  an 
axe  broke  down  the  door  leading  to  his  own  private  apartment. 
It  is  generally  thought,  and  possibly  with  truth,  that,  on  this  oc 
casion,  JDr.  W.  would  have  been  killed,  had  not  a  party  of  white 
men  armed  just  at  this  moment.  Never  was  such  an  outrage 
or  insult  more  undeserving.  He  had  built,  for  the  express  pur 
pose  of  Indian  accommodation,  a  house  of  the  same  materials,  and 
finished  in  like  manner  with  his  own,  of  respectable  size,  and  join 
ed  to  his,  and  at  all  times,  night  and  day,  accessible.  In  addition 
to  this,  they  were  admitted  to  every  room  of  his  house  but  one. 

This  being  closed  had  like  to  have  cost  him  his  life.  He  had 
hardly  left  for  the  states  last  fall,  when,  shocking  to  relate,  at  the 
hour  of  midnight,  a  large  Indian  chief  managed  to  get  into  the 
house,  came  to  the  door  of  Mrs.  Whitman's  bedchamber,  and  had 
succeeded  in  getting  it  partly  open  before  she  reached  it.  A  white 
man,  sleeping  in  an  adjoining  apartment,  saved  her  from  violence 
and  ruin.  The  villian  escaped.  There  was  but  one  thing  wrong 
in  this  matter  on  the  part  of  Dr.  W. ;  and  that  was  a  great  error — 
leaving  his  excellent  lady  thus  unprotected  in  the  midst  of  sava 
ges.  A  few  days  after  this  they  burned  down  the  mission  mill  on 
his  premises,  with  all  its  appendages  and  considerable  grain,  da 
maging  them  not  less  than  twelve  or  fifteen  hundred  dollars. 
About  the  same  time  Mrs.  Spaulding  was  grossly  insulted  in  her 
own  house,  and  ordered  out  of  it  in  the  absence  of  her  husband. 
Information  reached  him  of  an  Indian  having  stolen  his  horse 
near  the  same  time,  he  hastened  to  the  spot  to  secure  the  animal; 
the  rougue  had  crossed  the  river ;  but,  immediately  returning,  he 
presented  his  loaded  gun,  cocked,  at  the  breast  of  Mr.  Spalding, 
abused  and  menaced  as  far  as  possible  without  shooting  him. 

In  addition  to  this,  some  of  our  own  party  were  robbed  openly 
of  considerable  property,  and  some  twelve  horses  were  stolen  by 
night.  All  this  information,  coming  near  the  same  time,  was  pe 
culiarly  embarassing,  especially  as  my  instructions  would  not  al 
low  me  to  exceed,  for  office,  interpreter,  and  every  other  purpose, 
one  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  annum.  On  the 


26 

other  hand,  their  passport  signed  by  the  Secretary  of  War  made  it 
ray  imperative  duty  to  protect  them  in  their  persons  at  least  from 
outrage.  I  did  not  long  hesitate,but  called  on  Thomas  McKay, 
long  in  the  employment  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  as  explo 
rer  and  leader  of  parties,  who,  from  his  frank,  generous  disposi 
tion,  together  with  his  universal  success  in  Indian  warfare,  has  ob 
tained  an  extensive  influence  over  the  aboriginees  of  this  country, 
and  placing  the  facts  before  him,  he  at  once  consented  to  accom 
pany  me  to  this  scene  of  discord  and  contention.  We  took  but  six 
men  with  us,  armed  in  the  best  manner,  a  sufficient  number  to 
command  respect  and  secure  the  object  of  our  undertaking — McKay 
assuring  me,  from  his  familiar  acquaintance  with  these  Indians, 
and  their  thorough  knowledge  of  the  use  of  arms,  that  if  hostile 
intentions  were  entertained,  it  would  require  a  larger  party  than 
we  could  raise  in  this  country  to  subdue  them.  Gbtainiip  Corne 
lius  Rogers  and  Batteus  Dorion,  as  interpreters,  we  set  oriton  the 
15th  of  November — as  McKay  justly  denominated  it — our  voyage 
of  misery,  having  a  journey,  by  water  and  land,  of  not  less  than 
nine  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  principally  over  open  plains,  covered 
with  snow,  and  several  times  under  the  necessity  of  spending  the 
night  without  wood  or  fire,  other  than  what  was  made  by  a  small 
growth  of  wild  sage,  hardly  sufficient  to  boil  the  tea-kettle.  The 
gentlemen,  as  we  called  at  Fort  Vancouver,  did  every  thing  in  their 
power  to  make  the  journey  comfortable,  but  evidently  felt  anxious 
concerning  our  safety.  We  reached  the  Dalles,  some  two  hun 
dred  and  twenty  miles  from  the  Pacific,  on  the  24th  having  been 
detained  by  wind,  spent  several  days  with  the  Methodist  mission 
families,  who  welcomed  us  joyfully,  and  made  our  stay  agreeable 
and  refreshing.  Mrs.  Dr.  Whitman  was  here,  having  found  it 
improper  and  unsafe  to  remain  where  she  had  been  so  lately 
grossly  insulted.  Her  noble  and  intellectual  mind  and  spirit  were 
much  depressed,  and  her  health  sufieriiag;  but  still  entertaining 
for  the  people  or  Indians  of  her  charge  the  feelings  of  a  mother 
towards  ungrateful  children ;  our  visit  encouraged  her.  We  pro 
cured  horses  and  travelled  by  land  to  Wallawalla,  one  hundred 
and  forty  miles  above,  reaching  the  Hudson's  Bay  establishment 
on  the  30th. 

Mr.  McKinley,  the  gentleman  in  charge,  to  whom  the  mission 
aries  are  indebted  for  many  kind  offices  in  this  isolated  portion  of 
earth,  resolved  to  make  it  a  common  ^cause,  and  stand  or  fall 
with  us.  We  reached  Waiilatpu,  the  station  of  Dr.  Whitman, 
the  day  following,  and  were  shocked  and  pained  at  beholding  the 
sad  work  of  savage  destruction  upon  this  hitherto  neat  and  commo 
dious  little  establishment.  The  Indians  in  the  vicinity  were  few 
and  shy.  I  thought  best  to  treat  them  with  reserve,  but  made  an 
appointment  to  meet  the  chiefs  and  tribe  on  my  return.  Left  the 


(lay  following  for  the  station  of  Mr.  Spaulding  among  the  Nez- 
percs,  some  one  hundred  and  twenty  or  one  hundred  and  thirty 
miles  from  Waiilaptu  ;  reached  it  on  the  third  of  December,  after 
a  rather  pleasant  journey  over  a  most  verdent  and  delightful  gra 
zing  district,  well  watered,  but  badly  timbered.  Having  sent  a 
private  despatch  in  advance  they  had  conveyed  the  intelligence  to 
the  Indians,  many  of  whom  were  collected.  The  chiefs  met  us 
with  civility,  gravity  and  dignified  reserve,  but  the  missionaries 
with  joyful  countenances  and  glad  hearts. 

Seldom  was  a  visit  of  an  Indian  agent  more  desired  nor  could  one 
be  more  necessary  and  proper.  As  they  were  collecting,  we  had 
no  meeting  for  eight- and-forty  hours;  in  the  mean  time,  through 
my  able  interpreter  and  McKay,  I  managed  to  secure  confidence 
and  prepare  the  way  to  a  good  understanding;  visited  and  pre 
scribed  for  their  sick,  made  a  short  call  at  each  of  their  chiefs 
lodges,  spent  a  season  in  school,  hearing  them  read,  spell,  and 
sing ;  at  the  same  time  examining  their  printing  and  writing, 
and  can  hardly  avoid  here  saying  I  was  happily  surprised  and 
greatly  interested  at  seeing  sueh  numbers  so  far  advanced  and 
so  eagerly  pursuing  after  knowledge.  The  next  day  I  visited 
their  little  plantations,  rude  to  be  sure,  but  successfully  carried 
on,  so  far  as  raising  the  necessaries  of  life-  were  concerned  ;  and 
it  was  most  gratifying  to  witness  their  fondnese  aikl  eare  for  their 
little  herds,  pigs,  poultry,  etc.  The  hour  arriving  for  the  public 
interview,  I  was  ushered  into  the  presence  of  the  assembled  chiefs-, 
to  the  number  of  twenty-two,  with  some  le&ser  dignitaries,  and  a 
large  number  of  the  common  people.  The  gravity,  fixed  atten 
tion,  and  decorum,  of  these  sons  of  the  forest,  was  calculated  to 
make  for  them  a  most  favorable  impression,  I  stated  explicitly, 
but  briefly  as  possible,  the  design  of  our  great  chief  in  sending  me 
to  this  country,  and  the  present  object  of  my  visit;  assured  them 
of  the  kind  intentions,  of  our  government,  and  the  sad  consequen 
ces  that  would  ensue  to  any  white  man,  from  this  time,  who  should 
invade  their  rights,  by  stealingy  murder,  selling  them  damaged  for 
good  articles,  or  alcohol,  of  which  they  are  not  fond.  Without 
threatening,  I  gave  them  to  understand  bow  highly  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Spalding  were  prized  by  the  numerous  whites,  and  with  what 
pleasure  the  great  chief  gave  them  a  passport  to  encourage  them 
to  come  here  to  teaeh  them  what  they  were  now  so  diligently  em 
ployed  in  obtaining,  in  order  that  they  and  their  children  might  be 
come  good,  wise  and  happy.  After  me,  Mr.  McKinley,  the  gert- 
tleman  in  charge  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  establishment  at  Wallawalla, 
spoke  concisely,  but  very  properly ;  alluded  to  his  residence  of  some 
years,  and  of  the  good  understanding  that  had  generally  existed 
between  them,  and  of  the  happiness  that  he  felt  that  one  of  his 
brothers  had  come  to  stand  and  judge  impartially  between  bin*, 


98 

them,  and  whites  and  Indians  in  general ;  declared  openly  and 
frankly,  that  Boston,  King  George,  and  French,  were  all  of  one 
heart  in  this  matter,  as  they,  the  Keyuse  and  Wallawallas  should 
be  ;  flattered  them  delicately  in  view  of  their — to  him — unexpected 
advancement  in  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  resumed  his  seat,  hav 
ing  made  a  most  favorable  impression.  Next  followed  Mr.  Rog 
ers,  the  interpreter,  who,  years  before,  had  been  employed  suc 
cessfully  aa  linguist  in  this  section  of  the  country  by  the  Ameri 
can  board  of  commissioners,  and  was  ever  a  general  favorite  with 
the  people. 

He  adverted  sensibly  and  touchingly  to  past  difficulties  between 
whites  and  Indians  east  of  the  mountains,  and  the  sad  consequen 
ces  to  every  tribe  who  had  resisted  honorable  measures  proposed 
by  the  more  numerous  whites ;  and  having,  as  he  hoped,  secured 
their  confidence  in  my  favor,  exhorted  them  feelingly  to  adopt  such 
measures  as  should  be  thought  proper  for  their  benefit. 

Next,  and  lastly,  arose  Mr.  McKay,  and  remarked  with  a  man 
ner  peculiar  to  himself,  and  evidently  with  some  emotion  :  I  appear 
among  you  as  one  arisen  from  the  long  sleep  of  death.  You  know 
of  the  violent  death  of  my  father  on  board  the  ship  Tonquin,  who 
was  one  of  the  partners  of  the  Astor  company  ;  I  was  but  a  youth ; 
since  which  time,  till  the  last  five  years,  I  have  been  a  wanderer 
through  these  wilds ;  none  of  you,  or  any  Indians  of  this  country, 
having  travelled  so.  constantly  or  extensively  as  I  have,  and  yet  I 
saw  you  or  your  fathers  once  or  more  annually.  I  have  mingled 
with  you  in  bloody  wars  and  profound  peace  ;  I  have  stood  in  your 
midst  surrounded  by  plenty,  and  suffered  with  you  in  seasons  of 
scarcity;  we  have  had  our  days  of  wild  and  joyous  sports,  and 
nights  of  watching  and  deep  concern,  till  I  vanished  from  among 
men,  left  the  Hudson's  Bay  company,  silently  retired  to  my  plan 
tation,  and  there  confined  myself.  There  I  was,  still,  silent,  and 
as  one  dead  ;  the  voice  of  my  brother,  at  last,  aroused  me  ;  I  spoke 
and  looked ;  I  mounted  my  horse — am  here.  I  am  glad  it  is  so. 
I  come  at  the  call  of  the  great  chief,  the  chief  of  all  the  whites  in 
the  country,  as  well  as  the  Indians,  the  son  of  the  mighty  chief, 
whose  children  are  more  numerous  than  the  stars  in  the  heavens 
or  the  leaves  of  the  forest.  Will  you  hear,  and  be  advised  ?  You 
will.  Your  wonderful  improvements  in  the  arts  and  sciences  prove 
you  are  not  fools.  Surely  you  will  hear  ;  but  if  disposed  to  close 
your  ears  and  stop  them,  they  will  be  torn  open  wide,  and  you 
will  be  made  to  hear.  This  speech  from  Mr.  McKay,  whose  mo 
ther  is  a  native,  though  the  wife  of  Gov.  McLaughlin,  had  a  sin 
gularly  happy  influence,  and  opened  the  way  for  expression  on  the 
other  side,  from  which  there  had  not  hitherto  been  a  sentence  ut 
tered.  ^Firstarose  Five-Crows,  a  wealthy  chief  of  forty-five,  neatly 
attired  in  English  costume.  lie  stepped  gravely  but  modestly 


forward  to  the  table,  remarking  :  It  does  not  become  me  to  speak 
tirst ;  I  am  but  a  youth,  as  yet,  when  compared  to  many  of  these 
iny  fathers  ;  but  my  feelings  urge  me  to  arise  and  say  what  I  am 
about  to  utter  in  a  very  few  words.  I  am  glad  the  chief  has  come 
I  have  listened  to  what  has  been  said ;  have  great  hopes  that  brigh 
ter  days  are  before  us,  because  I  see  all  the  whites  are  united  in 
this  matter ;  we  have  much  wanted  some  thing  ;  hardly  knew  what ; 
been  groping  and  feeling  for  it  in  confusion  and  darkness.  Here 
it  is.  Do  we  see  it,  and  shall  we  accept  ? 

Soon  the  Bloody  Chief  arose — not  less  than  ninety  years  old — 
and  said :  I  speak  to  day,  perhaps  to-morrow  I  die.  I  am  the 
oldest  chief  of  the  tribe  ;  was  the  high  chief  when  your  great  bro 
thers,  Lewis  and  Clarke,  visited  this  country ;  they  visited  me, 
and  honored  me  with  their  friendship  and  counsel.  I  showed  them 
my  numerous  wounds  received  in  bloody  battle  with  the  Snakes ; 
they  told  me  it  was  not  good,  it  was  better  to  be  at  peace  ;  gave 
me  a  flag  of  truce ;  I  held  it  up  high ;  we  met  and  talked,  but  never 
fought  again.  Clarke  pointed  to  this  day,  to  you  and  this  occa 
sion  ;  we  have  long  waited  in  expectation ;  sent  three  of  our  sons 
to  Red  river  school  to  prepare  for  it;  two  of  them  sleep  with  their 
fathers  ;  the  other  is  here,  and  can  be  ears,  mouth,  and  pen  for 
us.  I  can  say  no  more  ;  I  am  quickly  tired ;  my  voice  and  limbs 
tremble.  I  am  glad  I  live  to  see  you  and  this  day,  but  I  shall  soon 
be  still  and  quiet  in  death. 

The  speech  was  affecting.  Six  more  spoke,  and  the  meeting 
adjourned  three  hours.  Met  at  the  hour  appointed.  All  the  chiefs 
and  principal  men  being  present,  stated  delicately  the  embarrassed 
relation  existing  between  whites  and  Indians  in  this  upper  country, 
by  reason  of  a  want  of  proper  organization,  or  the  chief's  autho 
rity  not  being  properly  regarded  ;  alluded  to  some  cases  of  impro 
prieties  of  young  men,  not  sanctioned  by  the  chiefs  and  old  men  ; 
and  where  the  chiefs  had  been  in  the  wrong,  hoped  it  had  princi 
pally  arisen  from  imperfectly  understanding  each  other's  language 
or  some  other  excusable  cause,  especially  so  far  as  they  were  con 
cerned.  Advised  them,  as  they  were  now  to  some  extent  prepared, 
to  choose  one  high  chief  of  the  tribe,  and  acknowledge  him  as  such 
by  universal  consent ;  all  the  other  subordinate  chiefs  being  of 
equal  power,  and  so  many  helps  to  carry  out  all  his  lawful  require 
ments,  which  they  were  at  once  to  have  in  writing,  in  their  own 
language,  to  ^regulate  their  intercourse  with  whites,  and  in  most 
cases  with  themselves.  I  advised  that  each  chief  have  five  men  as 
a  body  guard,  to  execute  all  their  lawful  commands.  They  desired 
to  hear  the  laws.  I  proposed  them  clause  by  clause,  leaving  them 
as  free  to  reject  as  to  accept.  They  were  greatly  pleased  with  all 
proposed,  but  wished  a  heavier  penalty  to  some,  and  suggested 
the  dog  law,  which  was  annexed.  We  then  left  them  to  choose 


30 

the  high  chief,  assuring  them  if  they  did  this  unanimously  by  the 
following  day  at  ten,  we  would  all  dine  together  with  the  chief  on 
a  fat  ox  at  three,  himself  and  myself  at  the  head  of  the  table  ;  this 
pleased  them  well,  and  they  set  about  it  in  good  cheer  and  high 
hopes  ;  but  this  was  a  new  and  delicate  task,  and  they  soon  saw  and 
felt  it;  however  all  agreed  that  I  must  make  the  selection,  and  so 
reported  two  hours  after  we  left  the  council.  Assuring  them 
this  would  not  answer  ;  that  they  must  select  their  own  chief,  they 
seemed  somewhat  puzzled,  and  wished  to  know  if  it  would  be  proper 
to  counsel  with  Messrs.  McKay  and  Rogers.  On  telling  them  that 
it  was  not  improper,  they  felt  a  little  relieved,  and  worked  poor 
Rogers  and  McKay  severely  for  many  hours ;  but  altogether  at 
length  figured  it  out,  and  in  great  good  humor,  so  reported  at  ten,  ap 
pointing  Ellis  high  chief.  He  is  the  one  alluded  to  by  the  Bloody 
Chief,  a  sensible  man  of  thirty-two,  reading,  speaking,  and  writing 
the  English  language  tolerably  well ;  has  a  fine  small  plantation, 
a  few  sheep,  some  neat  stock,  and  no  less  than  eleven  hundred 
head  of  hon^.  Then  came  on  the  feasting  ;  our  ox  was  fat,  and 
cooked  and  served  up  in  a  manner  reminding  one  of  the  days  of  yore ; 
we  ate  beef,  corn,  and  peas  to  our  fill,  and  in  good  cheer  took  the 
pipe,  when  Rev.  Mr.  Spalding,  Messrs.  McKinley,  Rogers,  and 
McKay,  wished  a  song  from  our  boatmen  ;  it  was  no  sooner  given 
than  returned  by  the  Indians,  and  repeated  again,  again,  and  again, 
in  high  cheer.  I  thought  it  a  good  time,  and  required  all  having 
any  claim  to  bring,  or  grievances  to  allege,  against  Mr.  Spalding, 
to  meet  me  and  the  high  chief  at  evening  in  the  council  room,  and 
requested  Mr.  Spalding  to  do  the  same  on  the  part  of  the  Indians. 
We  met  at  six,  and  ended  at  eleven,  having  accomplished,  in  the 
happiest  manner,  much  anxious  business.  Being  to  well  fedtobe 
irritable,  or  disposed  to  quarrel,  both  parties  were  frank  and  open, 
seeming  anxious  only  to  learn  our  opinion  upon  plain  undisguised 
matters  of  fact,  many  of  the  difficulties  having  arisen  from  an  ho 
nest  difference  of  sentiment  respecting  certain  measures. 

Ellis,  the  chief,  really  conducted  himself  throughout  in  a  man 
ner  creditable  to  his  head  and  heart,  was  quite  as  correct  in  his 
conclusions  and  firm  in  his  decisions  as  could  have  been  expected. 
The  next  day  we  had  our  last  meeting,  and  one  full  of  interest, 
in  which  they  proposed  to  me  many  grave  and  proper  questions ; 
and,  as  it  was  manifestly  desired,  I  advised  them  in  many  matters, 
especially  in  reference  to  begging  or  even  receiving  presents,  with 
out,  in  some  way,  returning  an  equivalent ;  pointed  out  in  strong  lan 
guage  who  beggars  are  among  the  whites,  and  how  regarded ;  and 
commended  them  for  not  once  troubling  me,  during  my  stay,  with 
this  disgusting  practice ;  and  as  a  token  of  respect,  now,  at  the 
close  of  our  long  and  happy  meeting,  they  would  please  accept,  in 
the  name  of  my  great  chief,  a  present  of  fifty  garden  hoes,  not  for 


31       . 

those  in  authority,  or  those  that  had  no  need  of  them,  but  for  the 
chiefs  and  Mr.  Spalding  to  distribute  among  their  industrious 
poor.  I  likewise,  as  they  were  very  needy,  proposed  and  ordered 
them  some  medicines,  to  be  distributed  as  they  should  from  tnne 
to  time  be  required.  This  being  done,  I  exhorted  them  to  be  in 
obedience  to  their  chiefs,  highly  approving  the  choice  they  had 
made,  assuring  them,  as  he  and  the  other  chiefs  were  responsible 
to  me  for  their  good  behaivor,  I  should  feel  it  my  duty  to  see  them 
sustained  in  all  lawful  measures  to  promote  peace  and  order.  I 
then  turned,  and  with  good  effect  desired  all  the  chiefs  to  look  uppon 
the  congregation  as  their  own  children,  and  then  pointed  to  Mr. 
Spalding  and  lady,  and  told  the  chiefs,  and  all  present,  to  look 
upon  them  as  their  father  and  mother,  and  treat  them  in  all  res 
pects  as  such ;  and  should  they  happen  to  differ  in  sentiment  res 
pecting  any  matter  during  my  absence,  be  cautious  not  to  differ 
in  feeling,  but  leave  it  till  I  should  again  return,  when  the  chief 
and  myself  would  rectify  it.  Thus  closed  this  mutually  happy  and 
interesting  meeting,  and,  mounting  our  horses  for  home,  Mr. 
Spalding  and  the  chiefs  accompanied  me  for  some  four  or  five 
miles,  when  we  took  leave  of  them  in  the  pleasantest  manner,  not 
a  single  circumstance  having  occurred  to  mar  our  peace  or  shake 
each  other's  confidence. 

I  shall  here  introduce  a  note,  previously  prepared  giving  some 
further  information  respecting  this  tribe,  and  append  a  copy  of 
their  laws.  The  Nez  Perces  have  one  governor  or  principal  chief, 
twelve  subordinate  chiefs  of  equal  power,  being  the  heads  of  the 
different  villages  or  clans,  with  their  five  officers  to  execute  all 
their  lawful  orders,  which  law  they  have  printed  in  their  own  lan 
guage,  and  read  understandingly.  The  chiefs  are  held  responsi 
ble  to  the  whites  for  the  good  behavior  of  the  tribe.  They  are  a 
happy  and  orderly  people,  forming  an  honorable  exception  to 
the  general  Indian  character,  being  more  industrious,  cleanly,  sen 
sible,  dignified,  and  virtuous. 

Tnis  organization  was  effected  last  fall,  and  operates  well,  and 
with  them,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  will  succeed.  A  few  days  since 
Governor  McLaughlin  favored  me  with  a  note  addressed  to  him 
from  the  Rev.  H.  H.  Spalding,  missionary  to  this  tribe,  stating 
as  follows : 

"The  Indians  in  this  vicinity  are  remarkably  quiet  this  winter, 
and  are  highly  pleased  with  the  laws  recommended  br  Dr.  White, 
which  were  unanimously  adopted  by  the  chiefs  and  people  in  coun 
cil  assembled.  The  visit  of  Dr.  White  and  assistants  to  this  up 
per  country  will  evidently  prove  an  incalculable  blessing  to  this 
people.  The  school  now  numbers  two  hundred  and  twenty-four 
in  daily  attendance,  embracing  most  of  the  chiefs  and  principal 
men  of  the  nation." 


32 

LA.WS  OF  THE  NEZ  PERCES. 

ART.   1.     Whoever  wilfully  takes  life  shall  be  hung. 

ART.  '2.     Whoever  burns  a  dwelling  house  shall  be  hung. 

ART.  3.  Whoever  burns  an  outbuilding  shall  be  imprisoned 
six  months,  receive  fifty  lashes,  and  pay  all  damages. 

ART.  5.  If  any  one  enter  a  dwelling,  without  permission  of 
the  occupant,  the  chiefs  shall  punish  him  as  they  think  pro 
per. 

ART.  6.  If  any  one  steal  he  shall  pay  back  two  fold ;  and  if  it 
be  the  value  of  a  beaver  skin  or  less,  he  shall  receive  twenty-five 
lashes ;  and  if  the  value  is  over  a  beaver  skin  he  shall  pay  back 
two-fold,  and  receive  fifty  lashes. 

ART.  7.  If  any  one  take  a  horse,  and  ride  it,  without  permis 
sion,  or  take  any  article,  and  use  it,  without  liberty,  he  shall  pay 
for  the  use  of  it,  and  receive  from  twenty  to  fifty  lashes,  as  the 
chief  shall  direct. 

ART.  8.  If  any  one  enter  a  field,  and  injure  the  crops,  or 
throw  down  the  fence,  so  that  cattle  or  horses  go  in  and  do  dam 
age,  he  shall  pay  all  damages,  and  receive  twenty-five  lashes  for 
every  offence. 

ART.  9.  Those  only  may  keep  dogs  who  travel  or  live  among 
the  game ;  if  a  dog  kill  a  lamb,  calf,  or  any  domestic  animal,  the 
owner  shall  pay  the  damage,  and  kill  the  dog. 

ART.  10.  If  an  Indian  raise  a  gun  or  other  weapou  against  a 
white  man,  it  shall  be  reported  to  the  chiefs,  and  they  shall 
punish  him.  If  a  white  person  do  the  same  to  an  Indian,  it  shall 
be  reported  to  Dr.  White,  and  he  shall  redress  it. 

ART.  11.  If  an  Indian  break  these  laws,  he  shall  be  punished 
by  his  chiefs ;  if  a  white  man  break  them,  he  shall  be  reported  to 
the  agent,  and  be  punished  at  his  instance. 

After  a  severe  journey  of  some  four  days,  through  the  incle 
mency  of  the  weather,  we  reached  Waiilaptu,  Dr.  Whitman's  sta 
tion,  where  we  had  many  most  unpleasant  matters  to  settle  with 
the  Keyuse  tribe — such  as  personal  abuse  to  Dr.  Whitman  and 
lady  burning  the  mill,  &c.,  &c.  Several  but  not  all  of  the  chiefs, 
were  present.  Learning  what  the  Nez  Perces  had  done,  gave  them 
great  concern  and  anxiety.  Touiti,  the  high  chief,  and  Feather- 
cap,  were  there,  with  some  few  more  dignitaries,  but  manifestly 
uneasy,  being  shy  and  cautious.  I  thought  best,  under  the  circum 
stances  to  be  quiet,  distant,  and  reserved,  and  let  them  commence 
the  conversation  with  my  worthy  and  faithful  friends,  Rogers  and 
McKay — both  conducting  with  characteristic  firmness  and  candor. 
They  had  not  proceeded  far  before  Feathercap,  so  far  as  we  know, 
for  the  first  time  in  life,  commenced  weeping,  and  wished  to  see  me ; 
said  his  heart  was  sick,  and  he  could  not  live  long  as  he  now  felt. 
Tuiti,  who  was  no  way  implicated  personally  in  the  difficulties,  and 


a  correct  man,  continued  for  some  time  firm  and  steady  to  his  pur 
pose  ;  said  the  whites  were  much  more  to  blame  than  the  Indians  ; 
that  three-fourths  of  them,  though  they  taught  the  purest  doctrines, 
practiced  the  greatest  abominations — alluding  to  the  base  conduct 
of  many  in  the  Rocky  Mountains,  when  they  met  them  on  their 
buffalo  hunts  during  the  summer  season,  and  witness  the  great  ex 
travagances.     They  were  shown  the  inapplicability  of  such  instan 
ces  to  the  present  cases  of  difficulty.     He,  too,  at  last  was  much 
subdued ;  whished  to  see  me  ;  was  admitted ;  made  a  sensible 
speech  in  his  own  favor ;  said  he  was  constituted  eight  years  before 
high  chief,  entered  upon  its  duties  with  spirit  and  courage,  deter 
mined  to  reduce  his  people  to  order.     He  flogged  the  young  men, 
and  reproved  the  middle  aged,  till,  having  none  to  sustain  him,  his 
popularity  had  so  declined  that,  except  in  seasons  of  difficulty, 
brought  about  by  their  improprieties,  I  am  left  alone  to  say  my 
prayers,  and  go  to  bed,  to  weep  over  the  follies  and  wickedness  of 
my  people.    Here  his  voice  trembled,  and  he  wept  freely — acknowl 
edged  his  opinion  that  the  mill  was  burnt  purposely  by  some  dis 
affected  person  towards  Dr.  Whitman.     I  spoke  kindly  and  some 
what  encouragingly  to  these  chiefs  ;  assured  them  that  the  guilty 
only  were  to  be  regarded  as  such ;  and  that  candor  was  commen 
dable,  and  would  be  honored  by  all  the  good ;  assured  them  I  cre 
dited  all  they  said,  and  deplored  the  state  of  their  nation,   which 
was  in  perfect  anarchy  and  confusion ;  told  them  I  could  say  but 
little  to  them  now,  as  their  chiefs  were  mostly  abroad ;  but  must 
say  that  the  shocking  conduct  of  one  of  the  chiefs  towards  Mrs. 
Whitman  greatly  afflicted  me ;  and  that,  with  the  destruction  of 
the  mill,  and  their  abominable  conduct  toward  Dr.  Whitman,  if  not 
speedily  settled,  would  lead  to  the  worst  of  consequences  to  their 
tribe.     I  mado  an  engagement  to  meet  them  and  all  the  tribe  the 
ensuing  new  moon  of  April,  to  adjust  differences,  and  come  to  a 
better  understanding,  they  earnestly  wishing  to  adopt  the  same 
laws  as  the  Nez  Perces  had.     We  should  probably  have  accom 
plished  a  satisfactory  settlement,  had  not  several  of  the  influental 
chiefs  been  too  far  away  to  get  information  of  the  meeting.     We 
reached  Wascopum  on  the  25th  December,   the  Indians  being  in 
great  excitement,  having  different  views  and  impressions  respecting 
the  nature  of  the  approaching  visit.     We   spent   four  days  with 
them,  holding  meetings  daily,  instructing  them  in  the  nature  of 
government,  civil  relations,  domestic  duties,  &c.  &c.     Succeeded, 
in  like  happy  manner,  with  them  as  the  Nez  Perces,  they  unani 
mously  adopting  the  same  code  of  laws. 

Late  information  from  one  of  the  missionaries,  you  will  see  in 
the  following  note  from  Mr.  H.  B.  Brewer : 

"  The  Indians  of  this  place  intend  to  carry  out  the  regulations 
you  left  them  to  the  letter ;  they  have  been  quite  engaged  in  cut- 


34 

ting  logs  for  houses,  and  live  in  expectation  of  better  dwellings  by 
and  by.  For  the  least  trangession  of  the  laws  they  are  punished 
by  their  chiefs  immediately.  The  clean  face  of  some,  and  the  tidy 
dresses  of  others,  show  the  good  effects  of  your  visit." 

And  here  allow  me  to  say,  except  at  Wascopum,  the  mission 
aries  of  this  upper  country  are  too  few  in  number  at  their  respec 
tive  stations,  and  in  too  defenceless  a  state  for  their  own  safety, 
or  the  best  good  of  the  Indians,  the  latter  taking  advantage  of 
these  circumstances,  to  the  no  small  annoyance,  and,  in  some  in 
stances,  greatly  endangering  the  personal  safety  of  the  former. 
You  will  see  its  bearings  upon  this  infant  colony,  and  doubtless 
give  such  information  or  instructions  to  the  American  board  of  com 
missioners  or  myself  as  will  cause  a  correction  of  this  evil.  It  has 
already  occasioned  some  difficulty  and  much  cost.  I  have  insisted 
upon  an  increase  of  numbers  at  Mr.  Spalding's  mission,  which  has 
accordingly  been  reinforced  by  Mr.  Littlejobn  and  lady,  rendering 
that  station  measurably  secure  ;  but  not  so  at  Waiilaptu,  or  some  of 
the  Catholic  missions,  where  some  of  them  lost  a  considerable 
amount  in  herds  during  last  winter,  and,  I  am  told,  were  obliged 
to  abandon  their  posts,  their  lives  being  endangered.  This  was 
in  the  interior,  near  the  Blackfeet  country. 

You  will  observe,  from  the  reports  of  the  different  missions, 
which,  so  far  as  I  am  otherwise  informed,  are  correct,  that  they 
are  doing  some  positive  good  in  the  country,  not  only  by  diffusing 
the  light  of  science  abroad  among  us,  but  also  by  giving  employ 
ment  to  many,  and,  by  their  drafts  upon  the  different  boards  and 
others,  creating  a  circulating  medium  in  this  country ;  but,  though 
they  make  comparatively  slow  progress  in  the  way  of  reform 
among  the  aboriginees  of  this  country,  their  pious  and  correct  ex 
ample  has  a  most  restraining  influence  tfpon  both  whites  and  In 
dians,  and  in  this  way  they  prevent  much  evil. 

They  have  in  successful  operation  six  schools.  Rev.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Spalding — whose  zeal  and  untiring  industry  for  the  people 
of  their  charge  entitle  them  to  our  best  considerations — have  a 
school  of  some  two  hundred  and  twenty-four  in  constant  [atten 
dance — most  successfully  carried  forward,  which  gives  promise  of 
great  usefulness  to  both  sexes  and  all  ages.  Rev.  Messrs.  Walker 
and  Eells  I  have  not  been  at  leisure  to  visit,  but  learn  they  have 
a  small  school  in  operation.  The  one  at  Waiilaptu,  Dr.  Whit 
man's  station,  is  now  recommenced,  with  promise  of  usefulness. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Blanchette  and  associates,  though  zealous  Cath 
olics,  are  peaceable,  industrious,  indefatigable,  and  successful  in 
promoting  Religious  knowledge  among  the  Canadian  population 
and  aborigines  of  this  country.  Their  enterprise  in  the  erection 
of  mills  and  other  public  works  is  very  commendable,  and  the 
general  industry,  good  order,  and  correct  habits  of  that  portion  of 


35 

the  population  under  their  charge  is  sufficient  proof  that  their  in 
fluence  over  their  people  has  been  exerted  for  good.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Lee  and  associates,  aside  from  their  well  conducted  operations 
upon  the  Columbia,  and  a  school  of  some  thirty  scholars  success 
fully  carried  forward  upon  the  Willamette,  are  doing  but  little  for 
the  Indians;  nor  could  greater  efforts  produce  much  good  among 
the  scattered  remnants  of  the  broken  tribes  of  this  lower  district, 
who  are  fast  disappearing  before  the  ravages  of  the  most  loath 
some  diseases.  Their  principle  hopes  of  success  in  this  country 
are  among  the  whites,  where  they  are  endeavoring  to  lay  deep  and 
broad  the  foundations  of  science.  The  literary  institution  referred 
to  by  Mr.  Lee  is  situated  upon  a  beautiful  rising  ground — -a 
healthy  and  eligible  location.  Could  a  donation  of  five  thousand 
dollars  be  bestowed  upon  the  institution,  it  would  greatly  encour 
age  its  friends.  The  donations  made  by  individuals  of  this  coun 
try  have  been  most  liberal,  several  giving  one-third  of  all  they 
possessed.  There  is  a  small  school  established  at  Falatine  plains, 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Clark  and  lady.  There  is  also  a  school  at  the  Catho 
lic  mission,  upon  the  Willamette,  and  also  one  at  their  station  upon 
the  Cowlitz.  For  further  information,  I  will  refer  you  to  the  re 
ports  made,  at  my  request,  by  the  several  missions,  and  accomp 
anying  these  despatches. 

The  country  upon  the  Columbia  and  its  tributaries,  as  far  as 
the  Dalles,  a  distance  of  two  hundred  and  twenty  miles  from  its 
mouth,  is  well  timbered ;  above  the  Dalles  timber  is  scarce,  large 
districts  being  destitute,  except  here  and  there  a  small  quantity 
growing  upon  the  streams  of  water.  The  country  between  the 
Columbia  and  California  is  also  timbered,  and  of  a  fine  quality. 
The  district  contiguous  to  the  Columbia,  is,  generally,  too  rough 
and  mountainous  ever  to  become  an  agricultural  country ;  but 
south  of  the  Columbia,  in  the  valley  of  the  Willamette,  the  soil  is 
admirably  adapted  to  purposes  of  agriculture,  being  generally  un 
dulating  prairies,  surrounded  by  timbered  land,  and  intersected 
by  numerous  small  streams.  This  is  the  character  of  the  country, 
generally  towards  California.  Mr.  Spalding's  report  gives  a  gen 
eral  statement  of  the  character  of  the  country  bordering  upon  the 
Columbia  above  the  Dalles.  The  Columbia,  the  principal  river  of 
this  region,  is  somewhat  difficult  to  enter,  owing  to  the  want  of 
proper  charts,  &c.  The  ships  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company, 
are,  however,  in  the  constant  habit  of  ascending  it  as  far  as  Van 
couver  fort.  The  Willamette,  a  tributary  of  the  Columbia,  can  be 
ascended  at  favorable  seasons  of  the  year  by  vessels  of  two  hun 
dred  tons,  to  within  a  few  miles  of  the  falls. 

The  Umqua  river  has  a  small  harbor,  but  cannot  be  ascended 
a  great  distance  by  vessels.  The  Nesqually,  as  you  have  been 
doubtless  informed  by  Commander  Wilkes,  about  one  hundred 


80 

and  forty  mile*  north  of  the  Columbia,  forms  a  fine  harbor;  the 
river,  however,  not  being  navigable  to  a  great  distance  by  large 
vessels. 

Stone  for  building  purposes  is  abundant  on  the  banks  oi  the 
Columbia,  stretching  far  into  the  interior.  There  is  some  granite, 
but  basaltic  rock  only  is  very  plentiful  upon  the  Willamette,  to 
some  distance  above  the  falls.  Limestone  has  been  found  in  some 
quantities  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia,  al 
though  I  have  not  as  yet  had  time  to  examine  it.  Lime  has  never 
been  made  in  this  country,  except  in  small  quantities,  by  burning 
the  choral  obtained  from  the  Sandwich  islands.  Bricks  have  been 
made  to  some  extent,  and  there  are  now  two  persons  in  the  coun 
try  who  understand  making  them.  There  are  several  mechanics 
in  the  colony,  but,  for  want  of  tools  and  materials,  they  do  not 
attempt  to  carry  on  their  business.  There  are  nine  carpenters 
and  two  stone  masons  in  the  settlement.  There  are  settlements 
established  upon  the  Willamette  sixty-five  miles  from  its  mouth : 
at  Falatine  plains,  twelve  miles  south  of  the  Columbia,  and 
twenty  west  of  the  Willamette  falls  at  Clatsop  plains  six  miles 
south  of  the  Columbia,  at  the  falls  of  the  Willamette,  a  popula 
tion  of  seventy,  engaged  in  building  storehouses,  mills,  &c.  Here 
is  a  water  power  of  very  great  extent.  The  river  here  takes  a 
perpendicular  descent  of  thirty-eight  feet,  presenting  as  exten 
sive  and  advantageous  sites  for  mills  and  factories  as  any  where 
exist.  At  the  Clackamus,  a  small  stream  falling  into  the  Wil 
lamette  two  miles  below  the  falls,  there  is  a  population  of  twenty 
persons.  This  settlement  commenced  last  fall ;  it  is  seven  miles 
from  the  falls  by  land,  arid  upon  a  pleasant  and  somewhat  exten 
sive  prairie. 

At  the  Cowlitz,  a  somewhat  rapid  river,  falling  into  the  Co 
lumbia  from  the  north,  about  fifty  miles  from  its  mouth,  there  is 
a  small  settlement  of  sixty-four  persons,  enjoying  the  benefits  of 
the  catholic  ministry.  The  face  of  the  country  upon  the  Cowlitz 
is  generally  level,  the  soil  thin,  and  impregnated  with  magnesia, 
being  less  fertile  than  that  of  the  Willamette  valley.  "Your  in 
quiry  respecting  the  comparison  between  Oregon,  from  the  Dalles 
to  the  Pacific — some  two  hundred  and  twenty  miles — and  the 
New  England  States,  I  am  now  somewhat  better  prepared  to  an 
swer,  having  visited  more  of  this  country,  and  likewise  most  of 
the  New  England  States.  As  a  whole,  in  point  of  soil,  I  think  it 
much  better,  having  also  greatly  the  advantage  in  climate,  and 
vastly  superior  as  a  grazing  country,  the  inhabitants  not  being 
obliged  to  winter  their  stock. 

I  must  close  by  praying  that  measures  may  be  speedily  entered 
into  to  take  possession  of  this  country,  if  such  steps  have  not  al 
ready  been  taken.  I  left  home  before  the  close  of  the  session  of 


37 

Congress,  and  by  reason  do  not  know  what  disposition  was  made 
of  Mr.  Linn's  bill.  As  a  reason  for  thus  praying,  I  would  here 
say,  the  time  was  when  the  gentlemen  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Comp 
any  and  the  missions,  wielded  the  entire  influence  over  this  small 
population  ;  but  as  they  have  been  reinforced  latterly  from  whale 
ships,  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  the  south-western  states,  these 
hitherto  salutary  restraints  and  influences  are  giving  way  and  be 
ing  measurably  lost. 

At  present  I  have  considerable  influence,  but  cannot  long  ex 
pect  to  retain  it,  especially  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  my  duty. 
As  a  reason  for  coming  to  such  a  conclusion,  I  had  but  just  ar 
rived  from  the  interior  when  I  received  an  urgent  call  to  visit  the 
mouth  of  the  Columbia.  I  left  at  once,  in  company  with  Nathan 
iel  Crocker,  Esq.,  Mr.  Rogers,  my  interpreter,  his  lady,  and  her 
young  sister — the  females  going  only  to  the  falls — with  a  crew  of 
Indians,  on  our  ill-fated  expedition.  We  reached  the  falls  at  sun 
set,  February  1,  and  by  reason  of  the  water  being  higher  than 
usual,  in  passing  around  a  jutting  or  projecting  rock,  the  canoe 
was  thrown  up  suddenly  against  a  log  constituting  a  landing,  at 
which  instant  I  stepped  off,  and  in  a  moment  the  slender  craft  was 
swept  away,  with  all  its  precious  cargo,  over  the  perpendicular 
falls  of  thirty-eight  feet,  three  rods  below.  The  shock  was  dread 
ful  to  this  infant  colony,  and  the  loss  was  irreparable  ;  Mr.  Rog 
ers  being  more  important  to  me  than  any  one  in  the  country ;  nor 
was  there  a  more  respectable  or  useful  man  west  of  the  moun 
tains.  Nathaniel  Crocker  came  in  with  me  last  fall  from  Tomp- 
kins  county ;  he  was  much  pleased  with  the  country  and  its  pros 
pects,  and  the  citizens  were  rejoiced  at  the  arrival  of  such  a  man 
in  the  territory ;  he  was  every  way  capacitated  for  usefulness. 
None  of  the  bodies  of  the  four  whites  or  two  Indians  have  been  as 
yet  found.  For  further  particulars  see  letter  to  Mrs.  White.* 


*  "On  the  First  day  of  February,  Mr.  Crocker,  Mr.  Rogers  and  his  lady,  who 
was  once  Satira  Leslie,  and  her  youngest  sister,  with  myself  and  four  Indians, 
were  on  our  way  to  Astoria.  We  were  passing  down  by  a  rock,  to  reach  a  log  to 
pass  to  the  shore,  the  water  being  very  high  and  the  current  strong,  the  canoe 
barely  passed,  giving  space  for  me  to  step  on  the  log,  when  it  began  to  drive. 
Esquire  Crocker  seized  the  end  of  the  paddle,  which  I  held,  and  each  exerted 
ourselves  to  draw  it  to  the  log  a  second  time,  but  it  was  in  vain ;  and  in  an  in 
stant,  in  spite  of  every  effort  of  those  on  board,  excepting  the  poor  females  the 
canoe  was  hurled  over  the  falls,  and  every  soul,  except  two  poor  Indians,  sent  into 
eternity.  Chilled  and  motionless  with  horror,  I  witnessed  the  dreadful  scene. 
They  went  down  within  four  rods  of  me,  Mrs .  Rogers  uttering  a  thrilling  shriek 
as  they  passed  over  the  falls.  The  two  Indians  were  saved  by  jumping  overboard, 
and,  seemingly  against  impossibilities,  swimming  to  the  shore  through  the  ra 
pids.  This  horrible  disaster  has  filled  the  colony  with  consternation  and  deep 
affliction.  Oh,  what  a  sad  blow  to  poor  Mrs.  Crocker,  and  all  his  connexions.  I 
pray  (jtod  to  sustain  them.  He  had  been  spending  the  last  two  months  at  my 
house,  and  his  mildness,  condescension,  and  pleasant,  agreeable  manners,  will 
never  be  forgotten.  He  was  delighted  with  the  country,  and  had  bright  hopes 

6 


38 

*  *  *  *  *  On  arriving  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Columbia,  I  found  a  sailor  by  the  name  of  George  Geere,  who 
had  most  evidently  and  maliciously  labored  to  instigate  the 
Indians  to  take  the  life  of  one  of  the  mission  gentlemen,  by  the 
offer  of  five  blankets  Complaints  being  made,  and  having  no 
better  means,  I  prevailed  upon  Governor  McLaughlin  to  allow 
him  to  accompany  their  express  across  the  mountains  to  the  States. 
I  would  here  say,  as  the  scamp  was  nearly  a  fool,  as  well  as  a 
villian,  I  allowed  him  to  go  without  sending  evidence  against  him, 
on  condition  of  his  going  voluntarily,  and  never  returning. 

I  here  likewise  found  a  rash,  venturesome  character,  about  start 
ing  off  on  a  trading  excursion,  among  a  somewhat  numerous  band 
of  Indians,  and  they  nowise  well  disposed  towards  the  whites.  As 
he  saw  and  felt  no  danger,  arguments  were  unavailing,  and  threats 
only  prevented. 

Sir,  shall  men  be  allowed  to  go  where  they  please,  however  re 
mote  from  the  colony,  and  settle,  under  circumstances  that  not  on 
ly  endanger  their  own  personal  safety,  but  the  peace  and  safety 
of  the  whole  white  population  ?  Please  give  me  specific  instruc 
tions  respecting  this  matter. 

Though  I  have  addressed  you  at  some  length,  I  should  have 
brought  more  before  you,  and  in  a  better  manner,  but  for  inces 
sant  labor,  care,  and  ill  health.  I  have  eight  prisoners  on  hand 
at  present,  for  various  crimes,  principally  stealing  horses,  grain, 
&c. ;  and  crimes  are  multiplying  with  numbers  among  the  whites, 

and  with  scarcity  of  game  with  the  Indians. 
*********** 

No  intelligence  from  abroad  has  reached  us  this  winter,  Mount 
St.  Helen,  one  of  those  snow-capped  volcanic  mountains,  some  six 
teen  thousand  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and  eighty  miles 
north-west  of  Vancouver,  broke  out  upon  the  20th  November  last, 
presenting  a  scene  the  most  awful  and  sublime  imaginable,  scat 
tering  smoke  and  ashes  several  hundred  miles  distance ;  and  in  the 
mean  time  immense  quantities  of  melted  lava  were  rolling  down 
its  sides,  and  inundating  the  plains  below. 

A  petition  started  from  this  country  to-day,  making  bitter  com 
plaints  against  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  and  Gov.  McLaughlin. 

and  cheering  prospects,  and  was  thinking  of  closing  a  contract  with  O'Neal  for 
Ms  farm  and  all  his  herds,  in  a  few  days,  under  most  advantageous  circumstances, 
and  intended  to  have  his  family  out  in  a  short  time,  as  he  saw  the  advantages  of 
this  country  in  a  clear  and  strong  light.  The  hospitality  and  generosity  of  the 
people  greatly  pleased  him,  and  on  the  other  hand  he  was  universally  more  than 
respected;  he  was  gaining  upon  the  best  affections  and  kindest  regards  of  the  peo 
ple  and  seemed  destined  to  be  greatly  esteemed  and  beloved.  *  *  »  *  I 
hope  you  will  be  at  much  pains  to  pour  consolation,  as  far  as  kind  attentions  and 
sooting  language  go,  into  the  heart  of  poor  Mr«.  Crocker." 
Pardon  this  digre8Bion. 


39 

In  referring  to  it — -as  a  copy  was  denied— I  shall  only  say,  had 
any  gentleman  disconnected  with  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  been 
at  half  the  pains  and  expense  to  establish  a  claim  to  the  Willamette 
falls,  very  few  would  have  raised  an  opposition.  His  half  bushel 
measure  I  know  to  be  exact,  according  to  the  English  imperial 
standard.  The  gentlemen  of  this  company  have  been  fathers  and 
fosterers  of  the  colony,  ever  encouraging  peace,  industry  and  good 
order,  and  have  sustained  a  character  for  hospitality  and  integri 
ty  too  well  established  to  be  easily  shaken. 
I  am,  sir,  sincerely  and  most  respectfully, 

Your  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

ELIJAH  WHITE, 
Sub-agent  Indian  Affairs,  W.  R.  M. 


DR.  WHITE, 

Agent  of  Indian  Affairs  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

MY  DEAR  BROTHER — The  kind  letter  our  mission  had  the  honor 
of  receiving  from  yourself,  making  inquiries  relative  to  its  num 
bers,  the  character  of  the  Indian  tribes  among  whom  its  several 
stations  are  located,  the  country,  &c.,  is  now  before  me. 

The  questions  referring  to  Indian  character  are  very  important, 
and  to  answer  them  requires  a  more  extensive  knowledge  of  cha 
racter  and  habits,  from  personal  daily  observation,  than  the  short 
residence  of  six  years  can  afford,  and  more  time  and  attention  than 
I  can  possibly  command,  amidst  the  numerous  cares  and  labors  of 
the  station.  I  less  regret  this,  as  the  latter  will  receive  the  atten 
tion  of  my  better  informed  and  worthy  associates  of  the  other 
stations. 

Concerning  many  of  the  questions,  I  can  only  give  my  own 
half-formed  opinions,  from  limited  observations,  which  have  not 
extended  far  beyond  the  people  of  my  immediate  charge. 

Our  mission  is  under  the  patronage  of  the  A.  B.  C.  F.  M.,  and 
was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1836,  by  Marcus  Whitman,  M.  D., 
and  myself,  with  our  wives,  and  Mr.  Gray.  Dr.  Whitman  was 
located  at  Waiilaptu,  among  the  Keyuse  Indians,  twenty-five  miles 
east  of  Fort  Wallawalla,  a  trading  post  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Com 
pany,  which  stands  nine  miles  below  the  junction  of  Lewis  and 
Clark  rivers,  three  hundred  miles  from  the  Pacific,  and  about  two 
hundred  miles  from  Fort  Vancouver.  I  was  located  at  this  place, 
on  the  Clear-water  or  Koos-koos-ky  river,  twelve  miles  from  its 
junction  with  the  Lewis  river,  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  east 
of  Waiilaptu.  Mr.  Gray  left  the  same  winter,  and  returned  to 
the  States.  In  the  fall  of  1838,  Mr.  Gray  returned  to  this  coun 
try,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Gray,  Messrs.  Walker,  Eells,  and 


40 

Smith,  and  their  wives,  and  Mr.  Rogers.  The  next  season,  two 
new  stations  were  commenced,  one  by  Messrs.  Walker  and  Eells 
at  Cimakain,  near  Spokan  river,  among  the  Spokan  Indians,  one 
hundred  and  thirty-five  miles  northwest  of  this  station,  and  sixty- 
five  miles  south  of  Fort  Colville,  on  the  Columbia  river,  three  hun 
dred  miles  above  Fort  Wallawalla;  the  second  by  Mr.  Smith, 
among  the  Nez  Perces,  sixty  miles  above  the  station.  There  are 
now  connected  with  this  mission  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Walker  and 
Eells,  Mrs.  Walker  and  Mrs.  Eells,  at  Cimakain,  myself  and  Mrs. 
Spalding  at  this  station.  Dr.  Whitman  is  now  on  a  visit  to  the  States, 
and  Mrs.  Whitman  on  a  visit  to  the  Dalles,  a  station  of  our 
Methodist  brethren.  But  two  natives  have  as  yet  been  admitted 
into  the  church.  Some  ten  or  twelve  others  give  pleasing  evi 
dence  of  having  been  born  again. 

Concerning  the  schools  and  congregation  on  the  the  Sabbath, 
I  will  speak  only  of  this  station.  The  congregation  on  the  Sab 
bath  varies  at  different  seasons  of  the  year,  and  must  continue  to 
do  so  until  the  people  find  a  substitute  in  the  fruits  of  the  earth 
and  herds  for  their  roots,  game,  and  fish,  which  necessarily  re 
quires  much  wandering.  I  am  happy  to  say  that  this  people  are 
very  generally  turning  their  attention,  with  much  apparent  eager 
ness,  to  cultivating  the  soil,  and  raising  hogs,  cattle  and  sheep, 
and  find  a  much  more  abundant  and  agreeable  source  of  subsis 
tence  in  the  hoe  than  in  their  bows  and  sticks  for  digging  roots. 

For  a  few  weeks  in  the  fall,  after  the  people  return  from  their 
buffalo  hunt,  and  then  again  in  the  spring,  the  congregation 
numbers  from  one  thousand  to  two  thousand.  Through  the  winter, 
it  varies  from  two  hundred  to  eight  hundred.  From  July  to  the 
1st  of  October,  it  varies  from  two  hundred  to  five  hundred.  The 
congregation,  as  also  the  school,  increases  every  winter,  as  the 
quantity  of  provisions  raised  in  the  vicinity  is  increased. 

Preparatory  to  schools  and  a  permanent  congregation,  my  ear 
liest  attention,  on  arriving  in  this  country,  was  turned  towards 
schools,  as  promising  the  most  permanent  good  to  the  nation,  in 
connexion  with  the  written  word  of  God  and  the  preached  gospel. 
But  to  speak  of  schools  then  was  like  speaking  of  the  church  bell, 
when  as  yet  the  helve  is  not  put  in  the  first  axe  by  which  the 
timber  is  to  be  felled,  or  the  first  stone  laid  in  the  dam  which  is  to 
collect  the  water  from  whtnce  the  lumber  in  the  edifice  in  which 
the  bell  is  to  give  forth  its  sounds.  Suffice  it  to  say,  through  the 
blessings  of  God,  we  have  had  an  increasingly  large  school  for 
two  winters  past  with  comparatively  favorable  means  of  instruc 
tion. 

But  the  steps  by  which  we  have  been  brought  to  the  present 
elevation,  if  I  may  so  speak,  though  we  are  yet  exceedingly  low, 


41 

began  far  back  among  the  days  of  nothing,  and   little   to   do 
with. 

Besides  eating  my  own  bread  by  the  sweat  of  my  brow,  there 
were  the  wandering  childred  of  a  necessarily  wandering  people  to 
collect  and  bring  permanently  within  the  reach  of  the  school. 
Over  this  department  of  labor  hung  the  darkest  cloud,  as  the  In 
dian  is  noted  for  despising  manual  labor ;  but  I  would  acknow 
ledge,  with  humble  gratitude,  the  interposition  of  that  hand  which 
holds  the  hearts  of  all  men. 

The  hoe  soon  brought  hope,  light,  and  satisfaction,  the  fruits  of 
which  are  yearly  becoming  much  more  than  a  substitute  for  their 
former  precarious  game  and  roots,  and  are  much  preferred  by  the 
people,  who  are  coming  in  from  the  mountains  and  plains,  and 
calling  for  hoes,  plows,  and  seeds,  much  faster  than  they  can  be 
furnished,  and  collecting  around  the  station  in  increasing  numbers> 
to  cultivate  their  little  farms,  so  furnishing  a  permanent  school 
and  congregation  on  the  Sabbath,  from  four  to  eight  months.  And 
as  the  farms  are  enlarged,  giving  employment  and  food  for  the 
year,  I  trust  the  school  and  congregation  will  be  permanent  through 
the  year.  It  was  no  small  task  on  my  time  to  give  the  first  les 
son  on  agriculture.  That  the  first  men  of  this  nation — the  first 
chiefs  not  excepted — rose  up  to  labor  when  a  few  hoes-  and  seeds 
were  offered  them,  I  can  attribute  to  nothing  but  the  unseen  hand 
of  the  God  of  missions.  That  their  habits  are  really  changed  is 
acknowledged  by  themselves.  The  men  say,  whereas  they  did  not 
once  labor  with  their  hands,  now  they  do  j  and  often  tell  me  in 
jesting  that  I  have  converted  them  into  a  nation  of  women.  They 
are  a  very  industrious  people,  and,  from  very  small  beginnings , 
they  now  cultivate  their  lands  with  much  skill  and  to  good  advan 
tage.  Doubtless  many  more  would  cultivate,  but  for  the  want  of 
means.  Your  kind  donation  of  fifty  hoes,  in  behalf  of  the  gov 
ernment,  will  be  most  timely ;  and  should  you  be  able  to  send  up 
the  plows  you  kindly  proposed,  they  will,  without  doubt,  be  pur 
chased  immediately,  and  put  to  the  best  use. 

But  to  return  to  the  school.  It  now  numbers  two  hundred  and 
twenty-five  in  daily  attendance,  half  of  which  are  adults.  Nearly 
all  the  principal  men  and  chiefs  in  this  vicinity,  with  one  chief 
from  a  neighboring  tribe,  are  members  of  the  school.  A  new 
impulse  was  given  to  the  school  by  the  warm  interest  you  and  Mr. 
McKay  took  in  it  while  you  were  here.  They  are  as  industrious 
in  school  as  they  are  on  their  farms.  Their  improvement  is  as 
tonishing,  considering  their  crowded  condition,  and  only  Mrs* 
Spalding,  with  her  dalicate  constitution  and  her  family  cares,  for 
their  teacher. 

About  one  hunded  are  printing  their  own  books  with  a  pen. 
This  keeps  up  a  deep  interest,  as  they  daily  have  new  lessons  to 


print,  and  what  they  print  must  be  committed  to  memory  as  soon 
an  possible. 

A  good  number  are  now  so  far  advanced  in  reading  and  print 
ing  as  to  render  much  assistance  in  teaching.  Their  books  are 
taken  home  at  nights,  and  every  lodge  becomes  a  school  room. 

Their  lessons  are  scripture  lessons — no  others,  except  the  laws, 
seem  to  interest  them.  I  send  you  a  specimen  of  the  books  they 
print  in  school.  It  was  printed  by  ten  select  adults,  yet  it  is  a 
fair  specimen  of  a  great  number  in  the  school. 

The  laws  which  you  so  happily  prepared,  and  which  were  unani 
mously  adopted  by  the  people,  I  have  printed  in  the  form  of  a 
small  school  book.  A  great  number  of  the  school  now  read  them 
fluently.  I  send  you  a  iew  copies  of  the  laws,  with  no  apologies 
for  the  imperfect  manner  in  which  they  are  executed.  Without 
doubt,  a  school  of  nearly  the  same  number  could  be  collected  at 
Kimiah,  the  station  above  this,  vacated  by  Mr.  Smith,  the  present 
residence  of  Ellis,  the  principal  chief. 

Number  who  cultivate^ — Last  season  about  one  hundred  and 
forty  cultivated  from  one-fourth  of  an  acre  to  four  or  five  acres 
each.  About  half  this  number  cultivate  in  the  valley.  One  chief 
raised  about  one  hundred  and  seventy-six  bushels  of  peas  last  season, 
one  hundred  of  corn,  and  four  hundred  of  potatoes.  Another  one 
hundred  and  fifty  of  peas,  one  hundred  and  sixty  of  corn,  a  large 
quantity  of  vegetables,  potatoes,  etc.  Ellis,  I  believe,  raised  rather 
more  than  either  of  the  above  mentioned.  Some  forty  other  in 
dividuals  raised  from  twenty  to  one  hundred  bushels  of  various 
grains.  Eight  individuals  are  now  furnished  with  plows.  Thirty- 
two  head  of  cattle  are  possessed  by  two  individuals  ;  ten  sheep  by 
four. ;  some  forty  hogs. 

Arts  and  sciences. — Mrs.  Spalding  has  instructed  ten  females 
in  knitting,  a  majority  of  the  female  department  in  the  schools  in 
sewing,  six  in  carding  and  spinning,  and  three  in  weaving.  Should 
our  worthy  brother  and  sister,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Littlejohn,  join  us 
soon,  as  is  now  expected,  I  trust,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  we  shall 
see  greater  things  than  we  have  yet  seen.  From  what  I  have  seen 
in  the  field,  the  school,  the  spinning  and  weaving  room,  in  the 
prayer  room,  and  Sabbath  congregation,  I  am  fully  of  the  opinion 
that  this  people  are  susceptible  of  high  moral  and  civil  improve 
ment. 

Moral  character  of  the  people. — On  this  point  there  is  a  great 
diversity  of  opinion.  One  writer  styles  them  more  a  nation  of 
saints  than  of  savages  ;  and  if  their  refusing  to  move  camp  for 
game,  at  his  suggestion,  on  a  certain  day,  reminded  him  that  the 
Sabbath  extended  as  far  west  as  the  Rocky  Mountains,  he  might 
well  consider  them  such.  Another  styles  them  supremely  selfish, 
which  is  nearer  the  truth  ;  for  without  doubt,  they  are  the  descen- 


43 

dants  of  Adam.  What  I  have  above  stated  is  evidently  a  part  of 
the  bright  side  of  their  character.  But  there  is  also  a  dark  side,  in 
which  I  have  sometimes  taken  part.  I  must,  however,  confess  that 
when  I  attempt  to  name  it,  and  hold  it  up  as  a  marked  exception 
to  a  nation  in  similar  circumstances,  without  the  restraint  of  whole 
some  laws,  and  strangers  to  the  heaven-born  fruits  of  enlighted  and 
well-regulated  society,  I  am  not  able  to  do  it.  Faults  they  have, 
and  very  great  ones,  yet  few  of  them  seemed  disposed  to  break  the 
Sabbath  by  travelling  and  other  secular  business.  A  very  few  in 
dulge  in  something  like  profane  swearing.  Very  few  are  super- 
sittiously  attached  to  their  medicine  men — who  are,  without  doubt, 
sorcerers — and  supposed  to  be  leagued  with  a  supernatural  being — 
wakin — who  shows  himself  sometimes  in  the  great  bear,  the  wolf, 
the  swan,  goose,  wind,  clouds,  etc. 

Lying  is  very  common ;  thieving  comparatively  rare ;  polygamy 
formerly  common,  but  now  rare ;  much  gambling  among  the  young 
men ;  quarrelling  and  fighting  quite  rare  ;  habit  of  taking  back 
property  after  it  is  sold  is  a  practice  quite  common,  and  very  evil 
in  its  tendency.  All  these  evils,  I  conceive,  can  be  traced  to  the 
want  of  wholesome  laws  and  well  regulated  society.  There  are 
two  traits  in  the  character  of  this  people  I  wish  to  notice.  One  I 
think  I  can  account  for;  the  other  I  cannot.  It  is  often  said  the 
Indian  is  a  noble-minded  being,  never  forgetting  a  kindness.  So 
far  as  my  experience  has  gone  with  this  people,  the  above  is  most 
emphatically  true,  but  in  quite  a  different  sense  from  the  idea  there 
conveyed.  It  is  true  they  never  forget  a  kindness,  but  often  make 
it  an  occasion  to  ask  another;  and  if  refused,  return  insults  accor 
ding  to  the  favors  received.  My  experience  has  taught  me  that, 
if  I  would  keep  the  friendship  of  an  Indian,  and  do  him  good,  I 
must  show  him  no  more  favor  in  the  way  of  property  than  what 
he  returns  some  kind  of  an  equivalent  for;  most  of  our  trials  have 
arisen  from  this  source.  I  am,  however,  happy  to  feel  that  there 
is  a  manifest  improvement  as  the  people  become  more  instructed, 
and  we  become  more  acquainted  with  their  habits.  This  offensive 
trait  in  the  Indian  character  I  believe,  in  part,  should  be  charged 
to  the  white  man.  It  has  been  the  universal  practice  of  all  the 
white  men  to  give  tobacco,  to  name  no  other  article  to  Indians 
when  they  ask  for  it.  Hence  two  very  natural  ideas — one  is,  that 
the  white  man  is  in  debt  to  them;  the  other  is,  that  in  proportion 
as  a  white  man  is  a  good  man  he  will  discharge  his  debt  by  giving 
bountifully  of  his  provisions  and  goods.  This  trait  in  Indian  cha 
racter  is  capable  of  being  turned  to  the  disadvantage  of  traders, 
travellers,  and  missionaries,  by  prejudiced  white  men. 

The  last  trait,  which  I  cannot  account  for,  is  an  apparent  disre 
gard  for  the  rights  of  white  men.  Although  their  eagerness  to  re 
ceive  instruction  in  the  school  on  the  Sabbath  and  on  the  farm  is 


41 

without  a  parallel  in  my  knowledge,  still  should  a  reckless  fellow 
from  their  own  number,  or  even  a  stranger,  make  an  attack  on 
my  life  and  property,  I  have  no  evidence  to  suppose  but  a  vast 
majority  of  them  would  look  on  with  indifference,  and  see  our 
dwelling  burnt  to  the  ground  and  our  heads  severed  from  our  bo 
dies.  I  cannot  reconcile  this  seeming  want  of  gratitude  with  their 
many  encouraging  characteristics.  But  to  conclude  this  subject, 
should  our  unprofitable  lives,  through  a  kind  Providence,  be  spar 
ed  a  few  years,  by  the  blessing  of  the  God  of  missions,  we  expect 
to  see  this  people  christianized  to  a  great  extent,  civilized,  and 
happy,  with  much  of  science  and  the  word  of  God,  and  many  of 
the  comforts  of  life;  but  not  without  many  days  of  hard  labor,  and 
sore  trials  of  disappointed  hopes  and  nameless  perplexities. 

And  while  the  agency  of  Indian  Affairs  remains  in  the  hands 
of  the  present  agent,  I  have  the  fullest  confidence  to  believe  that 
the  reasonable  expectations  in  reference  to  the  intercourse  between 
whites  and  Indians  will  be  fully  realized  by  every  philanthropist 
and  every  Christian.  But  as  the  Indian  population  is  sparse,  after 
they  are  abundantly  supplied,  there  will  be  remaining  country  suffi 
cient  for  an  extensive  white  population. 

The  thought  of  removing  these  tribes,  that  the  country  may 
come  wholly  in  the  possession  of  the  whites,  can  never  for  a  mo 
ment  enter  into  the  mind  of  a  friend  of  the  red  man,  for  the  follow 
ing  reason  to  name  no  other ;  there  are  but  two  countries  to  which 
they  can  be  removed,  the  Grave  and  theBlackfoot,  between  which 
there  is  no  choice. 

Your  humble  servant, 

H.  H.  SPALDING, 


Hon.  WILLIAM  WILKINS, 

Secretary  of  War. 

Communications  have  been  received  from  Dr.  Elijah  White,  sub- 
agent  for  the  Indians  in  Oregon  Territory,  dated,  severally, 
November  15,  1843,  and  18th  March,  1844,  (98,  99, 100.)  They 
contain  much  of  interest  in  considerable  detail.  The  establish 
ment  of  white  settlements  from  the  United  States,  in  that  remote 
region,  seems  t®  be  attended  with  the  circumstances  that  have 
always  arisen  out  of  the  conversion  of  an  American  wilderness 
into  a  cultivated  and  improved  region,  modified  by  the  great  ad 
vance  of  the  present  time  in  morals  and  benevolent  and  religious 
institutions.  It  is  very  remarkable,  that  there  should  be  so  soon 
several  well-supported,  well  attended,  and  well  conducted  schools 
in  Oregon.  The  Nez  Perces  tribe  of  Indians  have  adopted  a  few 


simple  and  plain  taws  as  their  code,  which  will  teach  them  self- 
restraint,  and  ia  the  beginning  of  government  on  their  part. 

It  is  painful,  however,  to  know  that  a  distillery  for  the  manu 
facture  of  whiskey  was  erected  and  in  operation  west  of  the  Rocky 
mountains,  which,  however,  the  sub-agent,  sustained  by  the  resi 
dent  whites,  broke  up  and  destroyed.  There  was  in  February 
last  an  affray  between  a  very  boisterous  and  desperate  Indian 
and  his  party  and  a  portion  of  the  settlers,  which  ended  in  the 
death  of  several  of  the  combatants.  This  unfortunate  affair 
was  adjusted,  as  it  is  hoped,  satisfactorily  and  permanently,  by 
the  sub-agent,  though  he  seems  to  apprehend  an  early  outbreak, 
I  trust  he  is  mistaken. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

T.  HARTLEY  CRAWFORD. 


WILLAMETTE  VALLEY,  OUEGON-,.  NOV.  ir,™,  ms. 
Hon.  J.  M.  PORTER, 

Secretary  of  War. 

HONORED  SIR  :  Since  my  arrival,  I  have  had  the  honor  of  ad 
dressing  you  some  three  or  four  communications,  the  last  of  which 
left  early  in  April,  conveyed  by  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company's  ex 
press  over  the  Rocky  Mountains,  via.  Canada,  which  I  hope  and 
judge  was  duly  received. 

Immediately,  after  this,  I  received  several  communicfaticTis  from 
missionaries  of  the  interior,  some  from  the  Methodists,  and  oth 
ers  sent  out  by  the  American  board,  representing  the  Indians  in 
the  interior  as  in  a  great  state  of  excitement,  and  under  much  ap 
prehension  from  the  circumstance  that  such  number  of  whites 
were  coming  in,  as  they  were  informed,  to  take  possession  of  their 
land  and  country.  The  excitement  soon  became  general,  both 
among  whites  and  Indians,  in  this  lower  as  well  as  upper  district ; 
and  such  were  the  constantly  floating  groundless  reports,  that 
much  uneasiness  was  felt,  and  some  of  our  citizens  were  under 
such  a  state  of  apprehension  as  to  abandon  their  houses,  and 
place  themselves  more  immediately  within  the  precincts  of  the 
colony.  As  in  all  such  cases,  a  variety  of  opinions  were  enter 
tained  and  expressed — -some  pleading  for  me,  at  the  expense  of 
the  general  government,  to  throw  up  a  strong  fortification  in  the 
centre  of  the  colony,  and  furnish  the  settlers  with  guns  and  am 
munition,  so  that  we  might  be  prepared  for  extremities.  Others 
thought  it  more  advisable  for  me  to  go  with  an  armed  force  of 
considerable  strength  to  the  heart  and  centre  of  the  conspiracy, 
as  it  was  represented,  and  if  words  will  not  answer,  make  power 


46 

and  balls  Jo  it.     A  third  party  entertained  different  views,  and 
few  were  really  agreed  on  any  one  measure. 

As  may  be  imagined,  I  felt  the  awkwardness  of  my  position; 
but,  without  stopping  to  consult  an  agitated  populace,  selected  a 
sensible  clergyman  and  a  single  attendant,  with  my  interpreter, 
and  so  managed  as  to  throw  myself  immediately  into  their  midst 
unobserved.  The  measure  had  the  desired  effect — though,  as  in 
my  report  I  will  more  fully  inform  you,  had  like  to  have  cost  me 
my  life. 

The  Indians  flocked  around  me,  and  inquired  after  my  party, 
and  could  not  be  persuaded,  for  some  time,  but  that  I  had  a  large 
party  concealed  somewhere  near,  and  only  waited  to  get  them 
convened,  to  open  a  fire  upon,  and  cut  them  all  off  at  a  blow.  On 
convincing  them  of  my  defenceless  condition  and  pacific  inten 
tions,  they  were  quite  astounded  and  much  affected,  assuring  me 
they  had  been  under  strong  apprehensions,  having  learned  I  was 
soon  to  visit  them  with  a  large  armed  party,  with  hostile  inten 
tions,  and  I  actually  found  them  suffering  more  from  fears  of  war 
from  the  whites,  than  the  whites  from  the  Indians — each  party 
resolving,  however,  to  remain  at  home,  and  there  fight  to  the  last — 
though,  fortunately,  some  three  or  four  hundred  miles  apart. 

The  day  following  we  left  these  Wallawallas  and  Keyuses,  to 
pay  a  visit  to  the  Nez  Perces,  promising  to  call  on  our  return, 
and  enter  into  a  treaty  of  amity,  if  we  could  agree  on  the  terms, 
and  wished  them  to  give  general  notice  to  all  concerned,  of  both 
tribes. 

In  two  days  we  were  at  Mr.  Spalding's  station.  The  Nez  Per 
ces  came  together  in  greater  numbers  than  on  any  former  occasion 
for  years,  and  all  the  circumstances  combining  to  favor  it,  re 
ceived  us  most  cordially.  Their  improvement  during  the  winter, 
in  reading,  writing,  etc.,  was  considerable,  and  the  enlargement  of 
their  plantations,  with  the  increased  variety  and  quantities  of  the 
various  kinds  of  grains  and  products  now  vigorously  shooting 
forth,  connected  with  the  better  state  of  cultivation  and  their 
universally  good  fences,  were  certainly  most  encouraging. 

Spending  some  days  with  this  interesting  tribe,  and  their  devo 
ted  missionaries,  in  the  pleasantest  manner,  they  accepted  my  in 
vitation  to  visit  with  me  the  Keyuses  and  Wallawallas,  and  as 
sist  by  their  influence  to  bring  them  into  the  same  regulation  they 
had  previously  adopted,  and  with  which  all  were  so  well  pleased. 

Mr.  Spalding  and  Ellis,  the  high  chief,  with  every  other  chief 
and  brave  of  importance,  and  some  four  or  five  hundred  of  the 
men  and  their  women,  accompanied  us  to  Waiilaptu,  Dr.  Whit 
man's  station,  a  distance  of  a  hundred  and  twenty  miles,  where 
we  met  the  Keyuses  and  Wallawallas  in  mass,  and  spent  some 
five  or  six  days  in  getting  matters  adjusted  and  principles  settled, 


47 

so  as  to  receive  the  Keyuses  into  the  civil  compact ;  which  being 
done,  and  the  high  chief  elected,  much  to  the  satisfaction  of  both 
whites  and  Indians,  I  ordered  two  fat  oxen  killed,  and  wheat,  salt 
etc.,  distributed  accordingly.  ****** 

This  was  the  first  feast  at  which  the  Indian  women  of  this 
country  were  ever  permitted  to  be  present,  but  probably  will  not 
be  the  last ;  for,  after  some  explanation  of  my  reasons,  the  chiefs 
were  highly  pleased  with  it ;  and  I  believe  more  was  done  at  that 
feast  to  elevate  and  bring  forward  their  poor,  oppressed  women 
than  could  have  been  done  in  years  by  private  instruction. 

The  feast  broke  up  in  the  happiest  manner  after  Five-Crows, 
the  Key  use  chief,  Ellis,  and  the  old  war  chief  of  whom  I  made  par 
ticular  mention  in  my  last  report  as  being  so  well  acquainted  with 
Clark,  and  a  few  others,  had  made  their  speeches,  and  we  had 
smoked  the  pipe  of  peace,  which  was  done  by  all  in  great  good 
humor. 

From  this,  we  proceeded  to  the  Dalles  on  the  Columbia  river, 
where  I  spent  two  months  in  instructing  the  Indians  of  different 
tribes,  who  either  came  in  mass,  oc  sent  ambassadors  to  treat 
with  me,  or,  as  they  denominate  it,  take  my  laws,  which  are  thus 
far  found  to  operate  well,  giving  them  greater  security  among 
themselves,  and  helping  much  to  regulate  their  intercourse  with 
the  whites.  Being  exceedingly  anxious  to  bring  about  an  im 
provement  and  reformation  among  this  people,  I  begged  money 
and  procured  articles  for  clothing  to  the  amount  of  a  few  hundred 
dollars,  not  to  be  given,  but  to  be  sold  out  to  the  industrious 
women,  for  mats,  baskets,  and  their  various  articles  of  manufac 
ture,  in  order  to  get  them  cloathed  comfortably  to  appear  at 
church  ;  enlisted  the  cheerful  co-operation  of  the  mission  ladies  in 
instructing  them  how  to  sew  and  make  up  their  dresses ;  and  had 
the  happiness  to  see  some  twenty  of  these  neatly  clad  at  divine 
service,  and  a  somewhat  larger  number  out  in  the  happiest  mood 
to  a  feast  I  ordered  them,  at  which  the  mission  ladies  and  gentle 
men  were  present. 

During  these  two  months  I  labored  hard,  visiting  many  of  their 
sick  daily ;  and  by  the  most  prompt  and  kind  attention,  and  sym- 
pathysing  with  them  in  their  afflction,  encouraging  the  industrious 
and  virtuous,  and  frowning  in  language  and  looks  upon  the  vic 
ious,  I  am  satisfied  good  was  done.  They  gave  evidence  of  at 
tachment  ;  and  my  influence  was  manifestly  increased,  as  well  as 
the  laws  more  thoroughly  understood,  by  reason  of  my  remaining 
so  long  among  them. 

During  my  up-country  excursion,  the  whites  of  the  colony  con 
vened,  and  formed  a  code  of  laws  to  regulate  intercourse  between 
themselves  during  the  absence  of  law  from  our  mother  country, 
adopting  in  almost  all  respects  the  Iowa  code.  In  this  I  was  con- 


48 

fluked,  and  encouraged  the  measure,  as  it  was  so  manifestly  nec 
essary  for  the  collection  of  debts,  securing  rights  in  claims,  and 
the  regulation  of  general  intercourse  among  the  whites. 

Thus  far,  these  laws  have  been  of  some  force  and  importance, 
answering  well  in  cases  of  trespass  and  the  collection  of  debts  ; 
but  it  is  doubtful  how  they  would  succeed  in  criminal  affairs,  es 
pecially  if  there  should  happen  to  be  a  division  of  sentiment  in 
the  public  mind, 

The  Indians  of  this  lower  country,  as  was  to  be  expected,  give 
considerable  trouble,  and  are  most  vexatious  subjects  to  deal  with. 
In  mind  the  weakest  and  most  depraved  of  their  race,  and  physi 
cally,  thoroughly  contaminated  with  the  scorfula,  and  a  still  more 
loathsome  disease  entailed  by  the  whites ;  robbed  of  their  game 
and  former  means  of  covering  ;  lost  to  the  use  of  the  bow  and 
arrow';  laughed  at,  scoffed,  and  contemned  by  the  whites,  and  a 
hiss  and  by -word  to  the  surrounding  tribes,  they  are  too  dejected 
and  depressed,  to  feel  the  least  pleasure  in  their  former  amuse 
ments,  and  wander  about  seeking  generally  a  scanty  pittance  by 
begging  and  pilfering,  but  the  more  ambitious  and  desperate 
among  them  stealing,  and  in  some  instances  plundering  on  a  large 
scale,  Were  it  not  that  greater  forbearance  is  exercised  towards 
them  than  whites  generally  exercise,  bloodshed,  anarchy,  and  con 
fusion  would  reign  predominant  among  us.  But,  thus  far,  it  is 
but  just  say,  the  Indians  have  been,  in  almost  every  instance,  the 
aggressors  ;  and  though  no»e  of  us  now  apprehend  an  Indian  war 
or  invasion,  it  appears  to  me  morally  impossible  that  general 
quiet  can  long  be  secure,  unless  government  take  almost  imme^ 
diate  measures  to  relieve  the  anxieties  and  better  the  condition  of 
these  poor  savages  and  other  Indians  of  this  country.  I  am  do 
ing  what  I  can,  by  reason  of  my  profession,  with  lending  them 
all  the  assistance  possible  in  sickness,  and  sympathising  with  them 
in  their  numerous  afflictions,  and  occasionally  feeding,  feasting, 
and  giving  them  little  tokens  of  kind  regard,  have  as  yet  consid 
erable  influence  over  them,  but  have  to  punish  some,  and  occasion 
the  chiefs  to  punish  more,  which  creates  me  enemies,  and  must 
eventuate  in  lessening  my  influence  among  them,  unless  the  means 
are  put  in  my  hands  to  sustain  and  encourage  the  chiefs  and  well- 
disposed  among  them,  Good  words,  kind  looks,  and  medicine, 
have  some  power ;  but,  honored  and  very  dear  sir,  you  and  1 
know  they  do  riot  tell  with  Indians  like  blankets  and  present  arti 
cles,  to  meet  their  tastes,  wants,  and  necessities.  Sir,  I  know 
how  deeply  anxious  you  are  to  benefit  and  save  what  can  be  of 
the  withering  Indian  tribes,  in  which  God  knows  how  fully  and 
heartily  I  am  with  you,  and  earnestly  pray  you,  and  through  you 
our  general  government,  to  take  immediate  measures  to  satisfy 
thp  mind*,  and  so  far  as  possible,  render  to  those  Indians  an 


49 

lent  for  their  once  numerous  herds  of  deer,  elk,  buffalo,  beaver, 
and  otter,  nearly  as  tame  as  our  domestic  animals,  previously  to 
the  whites  and  their  fire  arms  coming  among  them,  and  of  which 
they  are  now  stripped,  and  for  which  they  suffer.  But,  if  nothing 
can  be  done  for  them  on  this  score,  pray  save  them  from  being  for 
cibly  ejected  from  the  lands  and  graves  of  their  fathers,  of  which 
they  begin  to  entertain  serious  fears.  Many  are  becoming  consid 
erably  enlightened  on  the  subject  of  the  white  man's  policy,  and  be 
gin  to  quake  in  view  of  their  future  doom ;  and  come  to  me  from 
time  to  time,  anxiously  inquiring  what  they  are  to  receive  for 
such  an  one  coming  and  cutting  off  all  their  most  valuable  timber, 
and  floating  it  to  the  falls  of  the  Willamette,  and  getting  large 
sums  for  it ;  some  praying  the  removal  of  licentious  whites  from 
among  them ;  others  requring  pay  for  their  old  homestead,  or  a 
removal  of  the  intruders.  So,  sir,  you  see  already  I  have  my 
hands,  head  and  heart  full ;  and  if  as  yet  I  have  succeeded  in 
giving  satisfaction — as  many  hundreds  that  neither  know  nor 
care  for  me,  nor  regard  in  the  least  the  rights  of  the  Indians  are 
now  flocking  in — something  more  must  be  done,  and  that  speedily, 
or  a  storm  ensues. 

I  remove  all  licentious  offenders  from  among  them,  especially  if 
located  a  distance  from  the  colony,  and  encourage  the  community 
to  keep  within  bounds,  and  settle  as  compactly  as  the  general  in 
terest  and  duty  to  themselves  will  admit. 

The  large  emigrating  party  have  now  arrived,  most  of  them  with 
their  herds,  having  left  the  wagons  at  Wallawalla  and  the  Dalles, 
which  they  intend  to  bring  by  land  or  water  to  the,  Willamette  in 
the  spring.  Whether  they  succeed  in  getting  them  through  by 
land  the  last  sixty  miles  is  doubtful,  the  road  not  having  been  as 
yet  well  explored.  They  are  greatly  pleased  with  the  country 
and  its  prospects.  Mr.  Applegate,  who  has  been  so  much  in 
government  employ  and  surveyed  such  portions  of  the  Missouri, 
says  of  this  valley,  it  is  a  country  of  the  greatest  beauty  and  the 
finest  soil  he  has  seen. 

Having  visited  larger  portions,  and  in  different  directions,  the  last 
summer  than  heretofore — principally  in  the  mountainous  parts  be 
tween  this  and  the  Dalles — I  am  most  cheerful  in  saying,  I  have 
not  seen  a  country  presenting  such  a  variety  of  beautiful  scenery, 
and  possessing,  at  the  same  time,  such  advantage  of  timber,  water, 
strength  of  soil,  and  mildness  of  climate ;  and,  as  to  health,  hav 
ing  visited  sixteen  of  the  United  States,  the  Sandwich  islands, 
with  some  other  portions  of  the  earth,  I  must  say,  after  practis 
ing  medicine  somewhat  extensively  for  the  last  six  years,  I  regard 
it  the  most  healthy  country  with  which  I  am  acquainted ;  diseases 
the  least  numerous  in  class,  and  simple  in  character,  being  entire 
ly  under  the  control  of  proper  remedies. 


50 

The  settlers  are  actively  and  vigorously  employed,  and  the  colo 
ny  in  a  most  prosperous  state ;  crops  of  every  kind  having  been 
unusually  good   this  season.     The  little  unhappy  difference  be 
tween  the  American  settlers  and  the  Hudson's  Bay  company,  aris 
ing  from  the  last  spring's  petition  to  our  government,  has  been 
healed,  and  we  have  general  quiet — both  parties  conducting  very 
properly  towards  each  other  at  present.     And  here  allow  me  to 
say,  the  seasonable  service  in  which  hundreds  of  dollars  were  gra 
tuitously  expended  in  assisting  such  numbers  of  our  poor  emigrant 
citizens  down  the    Columbia   to   the   Willamette,    entitle    Gov. 
McLaughlin,  saying  nothing  of  his  previously  fatherly  fostering 
care  of  this  colony,  to  the  honorable  consideration  of  the  mem 
bers  of  this  government.     And  I  hope,  as  he  is  desirous  to  settle 
with  his  family  in  this  country,  and  has  made  a  claim  at  the  falls 
of  the  Willamette,  his  claim  will  be  honored  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  make  him  conscious  that  we,  as  a  nation,  are  not  insensible  to 
his  numerous  acts  of  benevolence   and   hospitality   towards    our 
countrymen.     Sir,  in  the  midst  of  slander,  envy,  jealousy,  and,  in 
too  many  instances,  of  the  blackest  ingratitude,    his   unceasing, 
never  tiring  hospitality  affects  me,  and  makes  him  appear  in  a 
widely  different  light  than  too  many  would  have  him  and  his  wor 
thy  associates  appear  before  the  world. 

The  last  year's  report,  in  which  was  incorporated  Mr.  Linn's 
Oregon  Speech  and  Captain  Spalding's  statements  of  hundreds  of 
unoffending  Indians  being  shot  down  annually  by  men  under  his 
control,  afflicts  the  gentlemen  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company, 
and  is  utterly  without  foundation — no  company  or  gentleman  ever 
having  conducted  more  judiciously  among  Indians  than  they  uni 
formly  have  done  in  this  country ;  and  I  am  of  the  Governor's 
opinion,  who  declares,  openly,  there  have  not  ten  Indians  been 
killed  by  whites  in  this  whole  region  west  of  Fort  Hall,  for  the 
last  twenty  years,  nor  do  I  know  of  that  number,  and  two  of  those 
were  killed  by  our  citizens.  What  were  destroyed  by  the  Hud 
son's  Bay  Company  suffered  for  willful  murder,  none  pretending 
a  doubt  of  the  propriety  of  the  course  adopted. 

There  are  now  four  schools  kept  in  the  colony,  of  which  I  shall 
speak  more  fully  in  my  annual  report — one  at  the  Falatine  Plains, 
under  the  direction  and  auspices  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Clark,  a  self- 
supporting  missionary ;  a  second — French  and  English — school, 
is  in  successful  operation  by  Mr.  Blanchette,  Roman  Catholic  mis 
sionary  to  this  colony ;  a  third  is  well  supported  by  the  citizens, 
and  kept  at  the  falls  of  the  Willamette  ;  a  fourth — boarding  and 
manual  labor — sustained  by  the  Methodist  board  of  missions,  for 
the  benefit  of  Indian  youth,  of  which  Mr.  Lee  will  speak  particu 
larly.  The  location  is  healthy,  eligible,  and  beautiful  and  the  noble 
edifice  does  honor  to  the  benevolent  cause  and  agents  that  foun- 


51 

(led  it.  And  while  here,  allow  me  to  say  Mr.  Jesse  Applegate, 
from  Missouri,  is  now  surveying  the  mission  claim,  a  plan  of  which 
will  be  presented  to  the  consideration  of  the  members  of  our  gov 
ernment,  for  acceptance  or  otherwise,  of  which  I  have  but  little 
to  say,  as  I  entertain  no  doubt  Mr.  Lee's  representation  will  be 
most  faithful.  Should  the  ground  of  his  claim  be  predicated 
upon  the  much  effected  for  the  benefit  of  the  Indians,  I  am  not 
with  him ;  for,  with  all  that  has  been  expended,  without  doubting 
the  correctness  of  the  intention,  it  is  most  manifest  to  every  ob 
server  that  the  Indians  of  this  lower  country,  as  a  whole,  have 
been  very  little  benefitted.  They  were  too  far  gone  with  scrofula 
and  venereal.  But  should  he  insist,  as  a  reason  of  his  claim,  the 
benefit  arising  to  the  colony  and  country,  I  am  with  him  hearti 
ly  ;  and  notwithstanding  the  claim  is  a  valuable  one,  this  country 
has  been  increased  more  by  the  mission  operations,  than  twice  its 
amount  in  finance ;  besides,  much  has  been  done  in  advancing 
civilization,  temperance,  literature,  and  good  morals,  saying  noth 
ing  of  the  evils  that  must  have  arisen  in  this  lawless  country  in  the 
absence  of  all  moral  restraints.  Mr.  Lee  .was  among  the  first 
pioneers  to  this  distant  land,  has  struggled  in  its  cares,  toils,  and 
trials,  has  risen  with  its  rise  ;  and  it  is  but  just  to  say,  he  and  his- 
associates  are  exerting  a  considerable  and  most  salutary  influence 
all  abroad  among  us.  I  hope  his  reception  will  be  such  that  he 
will  return  from  Washington  cheered  and  encouraged  to  pursue 
his  benevolent  operations  in  this  country.  The  Catholic  and  dif 
ferent  Protestant  missions  have  been  prosperous  during  the  last 
year,  and  are  as  generally  acceptable  to  the  whites  as  could, 
from  the  different  pursuits,  be  expected. 
*###**#****• 

In  closing,  allow  me  to  say,  for  the  instruction  and  encourage 
ment  of  emigrants : — Come  light,  save  with  provisions,  and  travel 
compactly.  Heed  this  last  injunction  by  all  means,  so  far  at  least 
as  not  less  than  fifty  to  be  found  aloof  from  the  main  camp,  and 
you  will  save  yourselves  from  danger  and  wrong,  and  the  Indians 
from  temptation  and  guilt.  Last  spring  I  addressed  a  communi 
cation  to  the  present  immigrating  party,  meeting  them  at  Fort 
Hall,  urging  upon  them,  from  a  variety  of  considerations,  the  same 
directions,  a  part  only  of  whom  followed  them — others  came 
strolling  along  in  little  bands  of  from  two  to  six,  and,  as  was  to  be 
expected,  scarcely  any  escaped  without  being  robbed  and  pillaged. 
Such  conduct  is  highly  censurable,  as  it  tends  directly  to  encour 
age  and  embolden  the  Indians  to  their  hurt  and  our  ruin.  By 
travelling  compactly,  and  treating  the  Indians  kindly,  but  with 
proper  reserve,  and  at  all  times  keeping  a  vigilant  watch,  no  dan 
ger  is  to  be  apprehended  to  person  or  property ;  but  without  these 
regulations  there  is  danger.  Have  no  apprehension  of  want ;  it  is 


51 

a  laml  of  plenty  ;  and,  after  a  long  atul  well  contested  debate,  a 
t't-w  months  since,  at  our  Oregon  lyceum,  it  was  unanimously  voted, 
that  the  colony  of  Willamette  held  out  the  most  flattering  encour 
agement  to  emigrants  of  any  colony  on  the  globe.  Great  expec 
tations  are  entertained,  from  the  fact  that  Mr.  Linn's  bill  has 
passed  the  Senate;  and  as  it  has  been  so  long  before  the  public, 
and  favorably  entertained  at  Washington,  should  it  at  last  fail  of 
passing  the  lower  house,  suffer  me  to  predict,  in  view  of  what  so 
many  have  had  to  undergo,  in  person  and  property,  to  get  to  this 
distant  country,  it  will  create  a  disaffection  so  strong  as  to  end 
only  in  open  rebellion:  whereas,  should  it  pass  into  a  law,  it  will 
be  regarded  as  most  liberal  and  handsome,  and  will  be  apprecia 
ted  by  most,  if  not  all  in  Oregon. 

As  to  the  claim  for  the  Oregon  institute,  I  need  say  nothing,  hav 
ing  said  enough  in  my  last  report ;  but,  as  that  may  have  failed 
in  reaching,  I  would  just  remark,  that  the  location  is  a  healthy 
one,  and  the  site  fine,  with  prospect  charmingly  varied,  extensive 
and  beautiful. 

I  leave  this  subject  with  Mr.  Lee  and  the  members  of  our  libe 
ral  government,  not  doubting  but  that  all  will  be  done  for  this  in 
stitute,  and  otherwise,  that  can  be,  and  as  soon  as  practicable,  to 
lay  deep  and  broad  the  foundation  of  science  and  literature  in  this 
country. 

And  here  I  must  close,  as  Mr.  Lee  is  already  sixty  miles  on  his 
way,  but  not  without  saying  I  am  much  obliged  in  getting  your 
last  report,  which  reached  me  a  few  weeks  since,  and  shall  feel 
still  more  obliged  and  honored  in  getting  a  communication  from 
your  own  pen,  enlightening,  correcting,  encouraging,  or  admon 
ishing  me,  in  my  new  and  difficult  work,  and  certainly  most  awk 
ward  position,  in  which,  as  yet,  I  have  succeeded  better  with  both 
whites  and  Indians  than  I  expected,  and  can  but  hope  some  good 
has  been  effected  by  my  appointment,  especially  to  the  latter. 

As  my  formerworthy  interpreter  is  dead,  allow  me  to  pray  the  ap 
pointment  of  Ellis,  the  high  chief  of  the  Nez  Perces,  in  his  stead, 
who  is  not  only  versed  in  his  own  tongue  and  the  Wallawallas,  but 
an  English  scholar,  and  a  man  of  sense.  As  he  is  so  well  regar 
ded,  his  appointment  will  have  a  good  influence  both  among,whites 
and  Indians. 

I  have  kept  within  limit  of  the  three  hundred  dollars  for  inter 
preters  the  last  year,  being  under  the  necessity  of  paying  one  hun 
dred  and  eighty  dollars  for  sixty  days'  service  at  one  time,  and  in 
no  instance  short  of  a  dollar  per  day,  though  I  hire  as  I  want, 
and  dismiss  at  once  on  closing  present  business — this  being  the 
only  way  I  could  hope  to  give  the  department  satisfaction,  in 
view  of  the  multiplicity  of  tribes  and  languages  this  side  the  moun 
tains.  I  have  sent  for  and  been  hourly  expecting  my  bills  from 


53 

Vancouver,  but,  from  some  cause  unknown  to  me,  they  have  iio't 
yet  reached,  and  by  this  reason  I  am  prevented  sending  at  this  time 
my  quarterly  report  of  expenditure — a  circumstance  I  regret,  and 
did  not  expect ;  but,  aside  from  interpreter,  travelling  expenses,  and 
for  office  contingencies,  it  is  small,  artd  shall  be  forwarded  at  my 
earliest  convenience.  The  sum  allowed  for  feeding  and  feasting 
Indians,  as  provisions  are  very  high — beef  being  worth  from  five 
to  seven  dollars  per  hundred,  pork  from  eight  to  ten  dollars,  wheat, 
corn,  barley,  and  peas,  a  dollar,  and  potatoes  forty  cents— proves 
hardly  sufficient  to  give  satisfaction.  The  erection  of  my  little 
office,  at  the  expense  of  two  hundred  and  tweiity-five  dollars,  I 
hope  and  trust,  with  my  actual  travelling  expenses,  will  be  paid. 
If  this  cannot  be  done  consistently,  pray  call  me  home  at 
once. 

As  I  notified  you  in  my  report,  I  cannot  sell  drafts  payable  in 
Washington,  and  await  your  order  to  draft  on  London  fdr  at  least 
one  thousand  dollars  per  annum,  as,  for  the  last  year,  for  inter 
preter  and  my  travelling  expenses,  with  office  contingencies  and 
presents  to  Indians,  I  have  been  under  the  necessity  of  drafting 
more  from  Vancouver  than  I  expected — the  Indian  excitement 
and  threatened  invasion  rendering  this  unavoidable. 

Respectfully  yours, 

ELIJAH  WHITE, 
Sub-Agent  Indian  Affairs,  W.  R.  M* 


WILLAMETTE,  MA*CS  ISTif,.  18*4. 

Hon.  J.  M.  POKTER, 

Secretary  of  War. 

SIR  :  On  the  evening  of  the  first  February,  the  two  following 
letters  came  to  me,  finding  me  in  the  upper  settlement  of  the 
Willamette,  distance  forty  miles : 

WILLAMETTE  FALLS,  JAJJUIBT  24iH,  1844, 

DR.  E.  WHITE, 

Sub- Agent  of  Indian  Affairs  for  Oregon  Territory. 

"  DEAR  SIR  :  The  undersigned  would  take  this-  occasion  to  in 
form  you  that  there  has  been  of  late  in  this  place  some  few  cases 
of  intoxication  from  the  effects  of  ardent  spirits.  It  is  currently 
reported  that  it  is  distilled  in  this  place,  and  the  undersigned 
have  good  reason  to  credit  such  reports.  Whilst,  therefore^  the 
undersigned  will  not  trouble  you,  sir,  with  a  detailed  exposition 
of  the  facts,  they  must  be  permitted  to  express  their  deliberate 
conviction  that  that  which  has  inflicted  so  much  injury  upon  the 
8  * 


54 

morals,  the  peace,  and  the  happiness  of  the  world,  ought  not  to  be 
permitted  to  be  manufactured  in  this  country  under  any  circum 
stances.  And  your  attention  is  respectfully  invited  to  this  sub 
ject. 

"  We  have  the  honor  to  be,  dear  sir, 

"  PETER  H.  HATCH,  President, 
"  A.  F.  LOVEJOY,    Vice  President, 
"  A.  F.  WALLER,  Secretary." 


"  WILLAMETTE  FALLS,  JANUARY  26TH,  1844. 

E.  WHITE. 

Sub -Agent  Oregon  Territory. 

"  DEAR  SIR  :  I  do  not  know  but  you  have  been  written  to  al 
ready  on  the  subject  which  is  the  cause  of  no  inconsiderable  ex 
citement  at  this  place,  viz :  The  manufacture  and  use  of  that 
most  degrading,  withering,  and  damning  of  all  the  causes  that 
has  ever  visited  our  race  since  the  fall  of  Adam.  As  much  as  we 
regret  it,  deplore  it,  and  anathematize  the  man  who  made  it,  it  is 
nevertheless  made,  and  men,  or  rather  biped  brutes,  get  drunk. 
Now,  we  believe  if  there  is  any  thing  that  calls  your  attention  in 
your  official  capacity,  or  any  thing  in  which  you  would  be  most 
cordially  supported  by  the  good  sense  and  prompt  action  of  the 
better  part  of  the  community,  it  is  the  present  case.  We  do  not 
wish  to  dictate,  but  hope  for  the  best,  begging  pardon  for  intru 
sions. 

I  am,  dear  sir,  yours  truly, 

W.  H.  WILSON. 


I  accordingly  left  at  sunrise  on  the  following  morning,  and 
reached  the  falls  at  sunset.  Without  delay,  I  secured  the  crimi 
nal  and  his  distillery,  broke  his  apparatus,  and  buried  it  in  the 
Willamette  river.  I  put  the  aggressor  under  bonds,  in  the  strong 
est  penalty  the  nature  of  the  case  would  admit,  three  hundred  dol 
lars — few  being  willing  to  be  his  bondmen  even  for  this  amount. 

Mr.  Pettygrove,  a  merchant  of  good  habits  and  character,  be 
ing  accused  of  keeping  and  selling  wine  and  brandy,  I  searched, 
and  found,  as  he  had  acknowledged,  a  half-gallon  of  brandy,  and 
part  of  a  barrel  of  port  wine,  which  has  been  used  and  occasion 
ally  parted  with  only  for  medicinal  purposes ;  and  to  avoid  all  ap 
pearance  of  partiality,  I  required  the  delivery  of  the  brandy  and 
wine  on  the  delivery  of  the  enclosed  bond,  which  was  most  cheer- 


55 

fully  and  cordially  given — amount  one  thousand  dollars.  I  searched 
every  suspicious  place  thoroughly,  aided  by  the  citizens,  but  found 
no  ardent  spirits  or  wine  in  the  colony.  Since  this  period,  no  at 
tempt  has  been  made  to  make,  introduce  or  vend  liquors ;  and  the 
great  majority  of  the  colonists  come  warmly  to  my  support  in  this 
matter,  proffering  their  aid  to  keep  this  bane  from  our  community. 
On  the  evening  of  February  29,  I  received  the  following  com 
munication,  accompanied  by  corroboratory  statements  from  Mr. 
Foster,  of  Oregon  city : 

Dr.  E.  WHITE, 

Superintendent,  frc 

"  WILLAMETTE  FALLS,  FEBRUARY  16tH,  1844. 

SIR  :  I  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  there  is  an  Indian  about 
this  place,  by  the  name  of  'Cockstock,'  who  is  in  the  habit  of  ma 
king  continual  threats  against  the  settlers  in  this  neighborhood, 
and  who  has  also  murdered  several  Indians  lately.  He  has  con 
ducted  himself  lately  in  so  outrageous  a  manner,  that  Mr.  Win- 
slow  Anderson  has  considered  himself  in  personal  danger,  and  on 
that  account  has  left  his  place,  and  come  to  reside  at  the  falls  of 
the  Willamette  ;  and  were  I  in  circumstances  that  I  could  possi 
bly  remove  from  my  place,  I  would  certainly  remove  also,  but  am 
so  situated  that  it  is  not  possible  for  me  to  do  so.  I  beg,  there 
fore,  that  you.  sir,  will  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of 
ridding  the  country  of  a  villian,  against  the  depredations  of  whom 
none  can  be  safe,  as  it  is  impossible  to  guard  against  the  lurking 
attacks  of  the  midnight  murderer.^  I  have  therefore  taken  the 
liberty  of  informing  you  that  I  shall  be  in  expectation  of  a  deci 
ded  answer  from  you  on  or  before  the  10th  of  March  next ;  after 
that  date  I  shall  consider  myself  justified  in  acting  as  I  shall  see 
fit,  on  any  repetition  of  the  threats  made  by  the  before-mentioned 
Indian  or  his  party. 

I  am,  &c.,  with  respect, 

JAMES  D.  SAULES." 

As  I  well  knew  all  the  individuals  concerned,  I  resolved  to  re 
pair  immediately  to  the  spot,  and,  if  possible,  secure  the  Indian 
without  bloodshed,  as  he  was  connected  with  some  of  the  most  for 
midable  tribes  in  this  part  of  the  territory,  though  a  very  dange 
rous  and  violent  character.  Accordingly,  I  started,  and  reached 
the  falls  the  following  evening,  collected  a  party  to  repair  to  the 
spot,  and  secure  him  whijst  asleep,  knowing  that  he  would  not/sub 
mit  to  be  taken  a  prisoner  without  resistence.  The  evening  was 
stormy,  and  the  distance  some  eight  miles,  through  thick  wood  and 
fallen  timber,  with  two  bad  streams  to  cross.  Being  on  foot,  my 
party  declined  the  attempt  till  morning — a  circumstance  I  much 


56 

regretted;  yet,  having  no  military  force,  I  was  compelled  to  yield. 
In  the  morning  I  headed  the  party  of  ten  men  to  take  this  Indian, 
who  had  only  five  adherents,  in  hope  to  surprise  and  secure  him 
without  fighting— enjoining  my  men,  from  many  considerations, 
not  to  fire  unless  ordered  to  do  so  in  self-defence.  Unfortunately, 
two  horses  had  just  been  stolen  and  a  house  plundered,  and  the 
Indians  absconded,  leaving  no  doubt  on  our  minds  of  their  being 
the  thieves,  as  after  tracking  them  two  or  thee  miles  into  the  for 
est,  they  had  split  off  in  sucli  a  manner  as  to  elude  pursuit,  and 
we  were  forced  to  return  to  town  unsuccessful,  as  further  pursuit 
was  little  more  rational  than  chasing  an  eagle  to  the  mountains. 
Cockstock  had  sworn  vengeance  against  several  of  my  party,  and 
they  thirsted  for  his  blood.  Having  no  other  means  of  securing 
him,  I  offered  one  hundred  dollars  reward  to  any  who  would  deliv 
er  him  safely  into  my  hands,  as  I  wished  to  convey  him  for  trial 
to  the  authorities  constituted  among  the  Nez  Perces  and  Keyuses, 
not  doubting  that  they  would  feel  honored  in  inflicting  a  just  sen 
tence  upon  him,  and  the  colony  thereby  be  saved  from  an  Indian 
war,  so  much  to  be  dreaded  in  our  present  weak  and  defenceless 
condition, 

Some  six  days  subsequent,  Cockstocl?  and  his  party,  six  in  all, 
came  into  town  at  mid-day,  rode  from  house  to  house,  showing  their 
loaded  pistols,  and  not  allowing  any  one,  by  artifice  or  flattery,  to 
get  them  out  of  his -bosom  or  hand.  He  and  his  party  were  hor 
ribly  painted,  and  rode  about  the  town,  setting,  as  the  citizens 
and  especially  his  enemies  construed  it,  the  whole  town  at  defi 
ance.  The  citizens  endured  it  for  several  hours,  but  with  great 
impatience,  when  at  length  hi  crossed  the  river,  and  entered  the 
Indian  village  opposite,  and,  as  the  chief  states,  labored  for  some 
time  to  induce  them  to  join  him  and  burn  down  the  town  that 
night,  destroying  as  many  of  the  whites  as  possible.  Failing  in 
this — if  serious  or  correct  in  statement,  which  is  much  doubted  by 
some,  as  the  chief  and  the  whole  Indian  village  were  inimical  to 
him,  and  doubtless  wished,  as  he  was  a  "brave,"  to  make  the 
whites  the  instrument  of  his  destruction — he  obtained  an  interpre 
ter  and  re-crossed  the  river,  as  other  Indians  state,  for  the  purpose 
of  calling  the  whites  to.  an  explanation  for  pursuing  him  with  hos 
tile  intentions.  By  this  time,  the  excitement  had  become  intense 
with  all  classes  amongst  the  whites ;  and,  as  was  to  be  expected, 
they  ran  in  confusion  and  disorder  towards  the  point  where  the 
Indians  were  landing — some  to  take  him  alive  and  get  the  re 
ward,  others  to  shoot  him  at  any  risk  to  themselves,  the  wealth 
iest  men  in  town  promising  to  stand  \)j  them  to  the  amount 
of  one  thousand  dollars  each.  With  these  different  views,  and  no 
concert  of  action,  and  many  running  merely  to  witness  the  affray, 
th<>  Indians  wcro  met  at  the  landing,  and  a  firing  simultaneously 


57 

commenced  on  both  sides,  each  party  accusing  the  other  of  firing 
first.  In  the  midst  of  a  hot  firing  on  both  sides,  Mr.  George  W. 
Le  Breton,  a  respectable  young  man,  rushed  unarmed  upon  Cock- 
stock,  after  the  discharge  of  one  or  more  of  his  pistols,  and  receiv 
ed  a  heavy  discharge  in  the  palm  of  his  right  hand,  lodging  one 
ball  in  his  elbow  and  another  in  his  arm,  two  inches  above  the  el- 
bow  joint.  A  scuffle  ensued,  in  which  he  fell  with  the  Indian,  cry-* 
ing  out  instantly,  "he  is  killing  me  with  his  knife."  At  this  mo 
ment,  a  mulatto  man  ran  up,  named  Winslow  Anderson,  and  des 
patched  Cockstock,  by  breaking  in  his  skull  with  the  barrel  of  his 
rifle,  using  it  as  a  soldier  would  a  bayonet.  In  the  mean  time, 
the  other  Indians  were  firing  among  the  whites  in  every  direction, 
with  guns,  pistols  and  poisoned  arrows,  yelling  fearfully,  and  many 
narrowly  escaped.  Two  men  who  were  quietiy  at  work  near 
by,  were  wounded  with  arrows — .Mr.  Wilson  slightly  in  the  hip, 
and  Mr.'  Rogers  in  the  muscle  of  the  arm — but  neither,  as  was 
supposed,  dangerously.  The  five  Indians,  having  shot  their  guns 
and  arrows,  retired  towards  the  bluff  east  of  the  town,  lodged 
themselves  in  the  rocks,  and  again  commenced  firng  upon  the 
citizens  indiscriminately.  Attention  was  soon  directed  that  way, 
and  the  fire-arms  having  been  brought,  the  Indians  were  soon 
routed,  killing  one  of  their  horses,  and  wounding  one  of  them, 
thus  ending  the  affray. 

Mr.  Le  Breton — the  surgeon  being  absent  from  town — was  re 
moved  immediately  to  Vancouver,  where  he  received  every  atten 
tion;  but  the  canoe  having  been  ten  hours  on  the  passage,  the 
poison  had  diffused  itself  all  abroad  in  his  system,  and  proved  mor 
tal  in  less  than  three  days  from  the  moment  of  the  horrid  disaster. 
Mr.  Rogers  lived  but  one  dlfy  longer,  though  slightly  wounded 
with  an  arrow  in  the  muscle  of  his  arm.  Wr.  Wilson  has  suffer^ 
ed  comparatively  little,  but  is  not  considered  in  a  safe  condi 
tion. 

This  unhappy  affray  has  created  a  general  sensation  through 
out  the  colony,  and  all  abroad  among  the  Indians  of  this  lower 
district.  Now,  whilst  I  am  penning  these  lines,  I  am  completely 
surrounded  by  at  least  seventy  armed  Indians,  just  down  from  the 
Dalles  of  the  Columbia,  many  of  them  professed  relatives  of  the 
deceased,  on  their  way  to  the  falls  of  the  Willamette,  to  demand 
an  explanation,  or,  in  other  words,  to  extort  a  present  for  the  loss 
af  their  brother. 

They  appear  well  affected  towards  me — remarkably  so — though 
armed  to  the  teeth,  and  painted  horridly.  I  am  every  moment 
expecting  my  interpreter,  when  I  shall  probably  learn  particulars 
respecting  their  intentions.  In  the  mean  time,  I  will  give  a  few 
particulars  respecting  this  deceased  Indian's  previous  course,  which 
led  to  the  disaster,  showing  how  much  we  need  authorities  and  dis 
cipline  in  this  country. 


58 

As  it  is  said,  a  negro  hired  Cockstock  for  a  given  time,  to  be  paid 
in  a  certain  horse.  Before  the  time  expired,  the  negro  sold  the 
horse  and  land  claim  to  another  negro,  the  Indian  finishing  his 
time  with  the  purchaser,  according  to  agreement.  Learning, 
however,  to  his  chagrin  and  mortification,  that  the  horse  had  chang 
ed  owners,  and  believing  it  a  conspiracy  against  his  rights,  resolv 
ed  to  take  the  horse  forcibly — did  so — and  this  led  to  a  year's  con 
tention,  many  threats,  some  wounds,  and  at  last  to  the  three  deaths, 
and  may  possibly  lead  to  all  the  horrors  of  savage  warfave  in  our 
hitherto  quiet  neighborhood.  It  was  this  identical  Cockstock  that 
occasioned  much  of  the  excitement  last  spring,  among  the  whites 
of  the  colony,  actually  driving  several  from  their  homes  to  the 
more  central  part  of  the  settlement  for  protection. 

I  saw  and  had  an  interview  with  the  Indians  in  June  following, 
and  settled  all  differences,  to  appearance,  satisfactorily ;  but,  four 
months  subsequently,  having  occasioned  the  authorities  constituted 
among  the  Indians  to  flog  one  of  his  connexions  for  violently  en 
tering  the  house  of  the  Rev.  H.  R.  Perkins,  seizing  his  person, 
and  attempting  to  tie,  with  a  view  to  flog  him,  he  took  fire  afresh, 
and  in  November  last  came  with  a  slave  to  my  house,  with  the 
avowed  object  of  shooting  me  down  at  once;  but  finding  me  ab 
sent,  after  a  close  search  in  every  part  of  the  house,  he  commenced 
smashing  the  windows,  lights,  sash,  and  all,  of  my  house  and 
ofiice,  with  the  breach  of  his  gun;  and  it  is  but  just  to  say,  he  did 
his  work  most  effectually,  not  leaving  a  sound  window  in  either. 
He  next  started  hotly  in  pursuit  of  my  steward,  who  was  most  ac 
tively  retreating,  but  soon  overtaken  and  seized  by  the  shoulder ; 
his  garment  giving  way,  saved  the  frightened  young  man  from  fur 
ther  violence. 

I  returned  late  in  the  evening,  this  having  occured  at  three,  P. 
M.,  when  the  villians  were  too  far  away  to  be  overtaken,  though  I 
pursued  them  with  the  best  men  of  the  colony  during  the  whole 
night,  and  so  long  as  we  could  trace  them.  This  was  regarded  a 
great  outrage,  and  created  a  strong  sensation  throughout  the  com 
munity,  especially  as  none  knew  where  to  trace  it  until  within  a 
few  weeks  past.  Some  four  weeks  subsequently,  fifteen  Indians 
came  in  open  day,  riding  into  the  neighborhood,  painted  and  well 
armed.  I  was  the  first,  with  one  exception,  that  observed  them, 
and  learned  they  were  Molalles  and  Klamets,  and  felt  confident 
they  were  on  an  errand  of  mischief,  being  well  informed  of  their 
marauding  and  desperate  habits.  As  this  is  quite  out  of  their  pro 
vince,  the  proper  home  of  the  Klamets  being  at  least  three  hun 
dred  miles  to  the  south,  and  the  Molalles,  with  whom  they  mter- 
mary,  having  their  lodges  in  the  Cascade  mountains,  a  distance  of 
from  forty  to  eighty  miles,  I  resolved  at  once  to  turn  their  visit  to 
account ;  sent  my  steward  to  chief  Caleb's  lodge,  where  all  had 


59 

arrived,  he  being  a  Callapooyah,  and  with  his  band  having  pre 
viously  entered  with  me  into  the  civil  compact,  and  gave  him  a 
cordial  invitation  to  call  on  me,  with  the  chiefs  visiting  him.  in  the 
morning,  as  I  wished  to  see  them,  and  had  some  interesting  and 
pleasing  news  to  convey  to  them.  The  chiefs  called  in  the  morn 
ing,  none,  however,  appearing  so  pleased  and  happy  as  Caleb. 

Of  this  I  took  no  notice ;  but  entered  into  cheerful  conversation 
with  Caleb  for  a  few  moments,  and  then  rose  up  and  invited  them 
to  walk  out  and  see  my  plantation  and  herds. 

When  we  reached  the  cattle,  I,  as  by  accident,  or  incidentally, 
asked  Caleb  if  he  was  prepared  to  give  a  feast  to  his  distant  friends 
who  had  so  lately  and  unexpectedly  called  on  him.  Answering 
in  the  negative,  I  told  him  to  shoot  down  at  once  a  fat  young  ox 
that  was  passing  before  us,  and,  while  some  were  dressing  it,  othera 
to  come  to  the  house  and  get  some  flour,  peas,  salt,  etc.,  and  go 
immediately  back  and  feast  his  friends,  lest  they  form  an  unfavor 
able  opinion  of  us  here.  I  need  not  say  the  summons  was  obeyed, 
and  Caleb  the  happiest  man  in  the  world.  Now  the  rigid  muscles 
of  the  stranger  chiefs  began  to  relax ;  in  short,  all  distrust  was 
soon  lost,  and  as  they  were  about  leaving  for  Caleb's  camp,  they 
found  themselves  constrained  to  inform  me  that  they  came  over 
with  very  different  feelings  from  what  they  were  now  leaving  me 
with,  and  were  very  glad  they  had  listened  to  Caleb's  advice,  and 
called  upon  me.  Professing  to  be  very  much  engaged  at  the  mo 
ment,  I  told  them  to  go  and  dine,  and  at  evening,  or  early  the 
following  morning,  I  would  come  with  my  friend,  Mr.  Applegate, 
and  make  them  a  call. 

They  feasted  to  the  full,  and  I  found  them  in  fine  humor,  and 
in  a  better  condition  to  smoke  than  fight.  After  some  casual  con 
versation,  I  asked  them  how  they  would  like  to  enter  into  the  civil 
compact ;  and,  whilst  they  were  discussing  the  subject,  this  Indian, 
Cockstock,  came  first  into  my  presence,  well  armed,  and  ap 
peared  cold  and  distant,  though  I  had  no  suspicion  of  his  being  the 
character  who  had  so  lately  broken  to  pieces  the  windows  in  my 
house  and  office. 

They  had  no  scruples  in  saying  they  were  entirely  willing,  and 
should  be  pleased  on  their  part  to  enter  upon  the  same  terms  as 
others,  but  did  not  know  how  it  might  be  regarded  by  the  residue 
of  their  respective  tribes.  They  engaged  to  meet  me  on  the  15th 
of  March,  with  the  residue  of  their  people,  and  use  their  influence 
to  bring  about  the  desired  object.  The  party  left  the  same  day, 
apparently  in  a  cheerful  mood,  passed  over  the  prairie  singing, 
talking,  and  laughing  merrily.  As  a  part,  however,  were  passing 
their  horses  over  a  difficult  stream,  the  other  part  fell  upon  and 
massacred  them  in  a  most  shocking  manner,  this  villainous  Cock- 
stock  acting  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  bloody  affray. 


1  repaired  to  the  spot  •Without  delay,  as  the  whites  were  mucli 
excited,  and  wished  to  pursue  and  hang  every  one  of  them.  I 
learned  there  had  been  unsettled  feuds  of  long  standing,  and  that 
in  like  manner,  ten  months  previously,  three  unfortunate  wretches 
had  shot  down  a  fellow  traveller.  On  conveying  this  information 
to  the  citizens,  all  I  believe  were  satisfied  to  stay  at  home,  and  re 
main  quiet  for  the  present. 

Thus  much  for  this  Indian  affair,  which  my  interpreter  having 
arrived,  I  have  settled  to-day  with  the  Dalles  Indians  most  satis 
factorily.  As  was  to  be  expected,  they  wished  presents  for  the 
death  of  their  brother*  I  prevailed  upon  all  to  be  seated,  and 
then  explained  the  whole  Case  slowly  and  clearly  to  their  under 
standing.  I  told  them  we  had  lost  two  valuable  innocent  men, 
and  they  but  one;  and  should  our  people  learn  that  I  had  given 
them  presents,  without  their  giving  me  two  blankets  for  one,  they 
must  expect  nothing  but  the  hottest  displeasure  from  the  whites. 
After  much  deliberation  among  themselves,  they  with  one  voice 
concluded  to  leave  the  whole  matter  to  my  discretion. 

I  at  once  decided  to  give  the  poor  Indian  widow  two  blankets, 
a  dress,  and  handkerchief,  believing  the  moral  influence  better 
than  to  make  presents  to  the  chief  or  tribe,  and  to  receive  noth 
ing  at  their  hands.  To  this  proposition  they  most  cheerfully 
consented,  and  have  now  left,  having  asked  for  and  obtained  from 
me  a  written  certificate,  stating  that  the  matter  had  all  been 
amicably  settled.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  matter  will  here  end, 
though  that  is  by  no  means  certain,  as  at  present  there  are  so 
many  causes  of  uneasiness  and  discontent  between  the  parties. 

As  I  said  before,  I  believe  it  morally  impossible  for  us  to  re 
main  at  peace  in  Oregon,  for  any  considerable  time,  without  the 
protection  of  vigorous  civil  or  military  law.  For  myself,  I  am 
most  awkwardly  situated  ;  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  I  had  seriously 
anticipated  leaving  this  spring;  but  the  late  successful  contest 
against  the  introduction  of  ardent  spirits,  in  connection  with  the 
excitement  by  reason  of  the  unhaappy  disaster  at  the  falls  of  the 
Willamette,  together  with  the  fact  of  too  many  of  our  people  be 
ing  so  extremely  excitable  on  Indian  and  other  affairs  relating  to 
the  peace  and  interest  of  the  colony  and  country,  I  have  conclu 
ded  to  remain  for  the  present,  in  hopes  of  being  soon  some  way 
relieved.  I  hope  that  the  draft  I  have  this  day  drawn  in  favor 
of  John  McLaughlin  will  be  honored,  as  otherwise  I  may  be  thrown 
at  once  into  the  greatest  difficulties,  having  no  other  house  in  this 
country  where  I  can  draw  such  articles  as  I  require  for  necessary 
presents  to  Indians,  to  defray  travelling  expenses,  &c. 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain,  with  highest  respect, 

Your  obedient  humble  servant, 

E.  WHITE, 
Sub- Agent  of  Indian  Affairs 


HON.  J<  M.  PORTER, 

Secretary  of  War,  Washington* 

Since  my  last,  forwarded  in  March,  aside  from  two  or  three  in 
cidents  of  an  unpleasant  nature,  the  colony  and  country  have  been 
in  a  state  of  unusual  quietness,  and  the  season  has  been  one  of 
great  prosperity. 

The  legislative  body,  composed  of  nine  members,  met  on  the 
24th  of  May,  at  the  falls  of  the  Willamette,  and  closed  their  short 
but  effective  session  in  nine  days ;  having  passed,  in  due  form, 
twenty-five  bills,  most  of  which  were  of  importance  to  us  in  the  re 
gulation  of  our  intercourse.  A  few  of  these  laws  I  transmit  to 
you,  and  would  here  remark,  that  the  taxes  were  in  general  cheer 
fully  paid.  The  liquor  bill  is  popular,  and  the  laws  of  Oregon 
are  honored. 

The  liquor  act  not  coming  in  force  under  sixty  days  from  its 
passage,  a  few  individuals — having  clandestinely  prepared,  before 
its  passage — improved  this  favored  moment  to  dispose  of  all  they 
could  with  any  hopes  of  safety.  Of  this  I  was  immediately  noti 
fied,  and  hastened  in  from  the  Falatine  plains,  all  the  mischief 
"as  heretofore,"  being  done  in  and  about  the  town  at  the  falls  of 
the  Willamette. 

Liquor  was  in  our  midst,  as  was  but  too  manifest  from  the  noisy, 
vulgar,  obscene,  and  even  diabolical  expressions  of  those  who  bad 
previously  ever  conducted  in  a  quiet  and  orderly  manner. 

This  was  perplexing  and  exciting,  as  all  professed  ignorance  ; 
and  many  opinions  prevailed  regarding  the  amount  manufactured, 
and  the  number  interested,  and  especially  regarding  the  seat  of 
mischief  or  point  where  distilled. 

I  resolved,  at  whatever  danger  or  cost  to  nip  this  in  the  bud, 
procured  the  call  of  a  public  meeting  at  once  and  had  the  happi 
ness  to  receive  the  following  expression  from  all  but  one  con 
vened: 

uResolved,  That  it  be  the  sense  of  this  meeting,  that  Dr.  White, 
in  his  official  relation,  take  such  assistance  as  he  may  require,  and 
forthwith  search  out  and  destroy  all  intoxicating  liquor  that  may 
be  found  in  this  vicinity  or  district  of  country. 

P.  G.  STEWART,  Executive, 

Chairman. 
JOHN  E.  LONG,  Secretary." 


I  started  with  ten  volunteers  early  the  ensuing  morning,  and 

found  the  distillery  in  a  deep,  dense  thicket,    eleven  miles  from 

town,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     The  boiler  was  a  large  sized  potash 

kettle,  and  all  the  apparatus  well  accorded.     Two  hogsheads  and 

9 


62 

eight  barrels  of  slush  or  beer  were  standing  ready  for  distillation, 
with  a  part  of  one  barrel  of  molasses.  No  liquor  was  to  be  found, 
nor  as  yet  had  much  been  distilled. 

Having  resolved  on  my  course,  I  left  no  time  for  reflection,  buf 
at  once  upset  the  nearest  cask,  when  the  noble  volunteers  imme 
diately  seconded  my  measures,  making  a  river  of  beer  in  a  mo 
ment  ;  nor  did  we  atop  until  the  kettle  was  raised,  and  elevated  in 
triumph  at  the  prow  of  out  boat,  and  every  cask,  with  all  the  dis 
tilling  apparatus,  was  broken  to  pieces  and  utterly  destroyed.  We 
then  returned,  in  high  cheer,  to  the  town,  where  our  presence  and 
report  gave  general  joy. 

Having  just  taken  the  tour  of  the  colony  for  the  purpose  of  at 
tending  the  courts  and  visiting  the  schools,  it  affords  me  pleasure 
to  say  I  felt  amply  rewarded.  I  found  throughout  health,  cheer 
fulness,  and  prosperity,  and  certainly  most  surprising  improve 
ments  for  the  short  time  since  the  sttlers  commenced.  The  deco 
rum  of  the  courts  I  have  spoken  of,  and  now  have  only  to  speak 
of  the  schools  and  Indians,  and  I  am  done ;  fearing  I  have  alrea 
dy  wearied  your  patience.  For  the  want  of  means,  the  Methodist 
manual  labor  Indian  school  has  lately  broken  up,  and  this  is  now 
occupied  as  a  boarding  school  for  white  children  of  both  sexes. 
The  school  is  yet  small,  but  well  conducted,  and  promises  useful 
ness  to  the  colony.  The  school  at  the  falls  of  the  Willamette  and 
Fallatine  plains,  anel  likewise  the  one  under  the  direction  of  the 
Rev.  Mr,  Blanchette,  Catholic  clergyman,  are  all  small — number 
ing  from  fifteen  to  thirty  only ;  but  are  all  well  kept  and  doing 
good.  I  feel  solicitous  on  this  subject,  and  am  saying  and:  doing 
what  I  can  to  encourage  education,  but,  like  all  other  new  coun 
tries,  the  people  need  and  require  their  children  much  at  home. 

Since  the  unhappy  affair  of  last  spring,  the  Indians  have  been 
unusually  quiet,  and  the  summer  has  been  spent  without  alarm.  I 
sent  my  interpreter,  Mr.  Lee,  to  the  Wallawallas  six  weeks  since, 
to  make  some  presents  to  the  chiefs,  as  a  safe  conduct  to  the  emi 
grants  down  to  this  place.  His  reply  I  transmit.  I  addressed  a 
line  to  Mr.  J.  B.  Littlejohn,  who  is  just  down  from  there,  and  re 
ceived  the  annexed  reply.  All  other  statements  are  corrobora 
tive: 

WILLAMETTE,  NOVEMBER  1,  1844. 

DEAR  SIR — It  is  with  the  utmost  pleasure  I  undertake  to  give 
you  what  information  I  am  able  to  do.  I  have  resided  with  the 
missionaries  of  the  American  board  for  two  years  past;  I  have 
known  their  hearts,  and  am  well  acquainted  with  all  they  have 
done.  Their  influence  among  the  Indians  is  by  no  means  small, 
or  their  efforts  vain,  as  their  condition  is  very  much  improved, 
both  in  a  spiritual  and  temporal  point  of  view.  And,  dear  sir, 


63 

your  efforts  among  and  for  them  have  been  mueh  to  their  advan 
tage,  and  at  the  same  time  not  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  mission 
aries,  but  greatly  to  increase  their  usefulness  among  them.  I  have 
no  doubt  you  have  labored  with  this  motive  in  view.  The  Indians 
are  becoming  civilized  as  fast  or  faster  than  any  tribes  concerning 
whom  I  am  informed.  Their  anxiety  for  cattle,  hogs,  and  sheep, 
is  very  great ;  leading  them  to  make  most  commendable  efforts  to 
obtain  them,  and  their  efforts  are  by  no  means  vain.  They  have 
purchased  a  good  number  from  those  who  are  emigrating  to  this 
country,  by  exchanging  their  horses  for  cattle.  Thus,  while  their 
horses  have  been  very  useful  to  the  emigrants,  they  have  greatly 
benefitted  themselves.  They  are  enlarging  their  farms  yearly — 
improving  much  in  fencing,  etc.  etc.  Quite  a  number  of  families 
are  enabled  to  live  from  what  they  raise  on  their  farms,  the  milk 
of  their  cows  and  their  beef.  There  is  perfect  quietness  existing 
between  them,  and  I  have  no  doubt  this  state  of  things  will  con 
tinue  to  exist.  Many  things  interesting  might  be  written, .  but 
time  does  not  allow  me  to  say  any  more  at  present. 
I  am,  dear  sir,  yours  with  great  respect, 

J.  B.  LITTLEJQHN, 


Thus  far  the  Indians  have  kept  their  treaties  of  amity  with  me 
astonishingly  well,  and  it  is  thought  we  now  have  as  much  to  hope 
as  fear  from  them,  if  we  succeed  in  keeping  out  liquor,  which,  by 
the  grace  of  God,  not  a  few  of  us  are  resolved  to  do,  though  we  do 
not  pass  unopposed,  nor  slightly  opposed;  and  had  it  not  been  for 
that  most  salutary  liquor  law,  and  the  hearty  co-operation. of  soms 
of  the  friends  of  temperance  with  your  agent,  liquor  would  have 
already  made  ruinous  havoc  among  us. 

The  Methodist  mission,  though  we  have  not  agreed  on  all  sub 
jects,  have  behaved  very  properly  on  this.  And  to  them,  in  con 
nexion  with  the  honorable  Hudson's  Bay  Company,  will  the  colo 
ny  be  lastingly  indebted  for  their  commendable  efforts. 

Since  my  first  arrival  I  have  not  received  a  line  from  the  De 
partment  save  my  last  year's  report.  As  my  condition  is  pecu 
liar,  and  not  a  little  embarassing,  I  should  feel  greatly  obliged  for 
an  expression,  and  further  instruction  from  the  Department.  I  have 
had,  as  may  well  be  judged,  much  to  contend  with,  in  the  midst  of 
lawless  Indians  of  so  many  different  tribes,  and  lawless  whites  of 
so  many  nations — some  bred  upon  old  whaleships,  others  in  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and  hundreds  on  the  frontiers  of  Missouri.  I 
have  at  times  waded  in  deep  perplexing  difficulties,  but  am  now 
greatly  relieved  by  the  colonial  government,  which  as  yet  is  well 
administered.  By  reason  of  this  I  now  have  less  to  do,  and  sail 


64 

in  smoother  seas,  meeting  with  leaa  opposition  than  heretofore — 
my  proper  official  relations  towards  the  whites  and  Indians  being 
better  understood. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  and 
humble  servant, 

E.  WHITE, 
Sub-agent  Indian  Affairs,  W.  R.  M. 


OREGON  CITY,  MARCH  4th,  1845. 

DR.  E,  WHITE, 

Sub-agent  Indian  Affairs, 

SIR  :  In  compliance  with  the  request  you  made  of  me,  that  I 
should  notice  and  communicate  to  you  whatever,  I  might  deem  of 
interest  during  my  visit,  in  your  employ,  to  the  various  Indian 
tribes  east  of  the  Cascads  mountains,  bearing  to  them  presents 
with  admonitions  and  advice  from  you  in  order  to  secure  the  safe 
ty  and  peace  of  the  emigrants  in  their  passage  through  their 
country. 

The  following  is  submitted: 

First.  The  Nez  Perces.  Your  acquaintance  with  this  promis 
ing  people  renders  it  unnecessary  for  me  to  speak  of  their  general 
character,  I  would  simply  remark,  that  their  anxieties  to  become 
a  civilized  and  literary  nation,  have  suffered  no  abatement  sincel 
left  them  in  March  last,  after  having  spent  the  winter  with  them 
most  pleasantly,  as  teacher,  in  the  employ  of  Rev.  H.  H.  Spald- 
ing,  missionary.  Ellis,  with  most  of  the  chiefs,  was  absent,  hav 
ing  gone  to  meet  the  emigrants,  then  in  the  vicinity  effort  Boisie, 
with  a  view  to  furnish  them  provisions,  and  trade  them  horses  for 
cattle.  You  are  aware  of  their  eagerness  to  obtain  domestic  stock, 
and  farming  utensils,  which  I  regard  as  one  of  the  most  interest 
ing  facts  connected  with  Indian  Affairs  west  of  the  Rocky  Moun 
tains.  Avarice  13  doubtless  the  ruling  passion  of  most  Indians, 
and  forms  a  capital  upon  which  those  engaged  in  Indian  Affairs 
may  operate  for  good  or  evil,  With  the  Nez  Perces,  it  has  thus 
far,  been  turned  to  good  account,  effecting  results  as  beneficial  to 
the  whites  and  more  salutary  to  the  natives  themselves,  on  this 
side  the  mountains,  than  has  been  effected  on  the  other  side  by 
military  force.  Such  is  the  prevalence  of  this  "love  of  gain" 
amongst  the  Indians,  that  all  efforts  to  control  them  by  motives 
held  out  to  any  other  passion,  must  prove  ineffectual,  at  least,  while 
we  are  unable  to  awe  them  by  martial  parade. 

The  individual  difficulties  existing  between  James,  Timothy, 
and  others,  in  relation  to  their  claims  on  the  valley,  about  tho 


65 

Clear  water  mission,  are,  for  the  time,  put  to  rest  by  the  promise 
that  you  will  visit  them  soon,  and  have  the  matter  properly  ad 
justed.  Their  crops  this  year  have  been  abundant,  and  they  have 
furnished  the  emigrants  large  supplies  of  provisions,  which  I  am 
happy  to  say,  were  bartered  in  good  faith,  and  the  trade  conduc 
ted  with  much  amity  and  good  feeling  on  both  sides,  while  I  have 
to  regret  that  Ellis  and  his  people  were  unable  to  procure  cattle 
to  any  extent,  worthy  of  notice.  The  presents  were  received, 
and  the  advice  heard  with  a  most  respectful  attention. 

Second.  The  Keyuses  are  also  manifesting  a  spirit  of  enter 
prise,  highly  commendable.  They  too,  have  raised  much  grain 
and  potatoes,  and  are  trading  freely  with  the  emigrants.  A  num 
ber  of  their  chiefs  and  principal  men  were  absent  at  the  time, 
having  gone  in  company  with  a  party  of  Wallawallas,  to  Califor 
nia,  with  horses  to  trade  for  cattle.  They  have  since  returned, 
and  I  sincerely  regret  to  learn  the  failure  of  this,  their  first  ex 
pedition  of  the  kind.  The  Spaniards,  and  other  whites,  treated 
them  badly  ;  murdered  one  of  the  most  promising  young  men  of 
the  Wallawallas,  and  the  party  returned  without  effecting  the  ob 
ject  of  their  trip.  What  influence  this  affair  will  have  upon  the 
conduct  of  these  two  tribes  in  reference  to  the  next  emigration 
passing  through  their  countries,  time  alone  must  determine. 

The  lawless  bands  along  the  river,  from  Fort  Wallawalla,  to  the 
to  the  Dalles,  are  still  troublesome  to  emigrants  ;  and  the  emi 
grants  are  still  very  imprudent  in  breaking  off  into  small  parties, 
just  when  they  should  remain  united.  The  Indians  are  tempted 
by  the  unguarded  and  defenceless  state  of  the  emigrants,  and 
avail  themselves  of  the  opportunity  to  gratify  their  cupidity. 
Here  allow  me  to  suggest  a  thought.  These  robbers  furnish  us 
a  true  miniature  likeness  of  the  whole  Indian  population, 
whenever  they  fail  to  obtain  such  things  as  they  wish  in  exchange 
for  such  as  they  have  to  give.  These  are  robbers  now,  because 
they  have  nothing  to  give  ;  all  others  will  be  robbers  when,  with 
what  they  have  to  give,  they  cannot  procure  what  they  wish.  I 
am  satisfied  of  the  correctness  of  this  conclusion,  from  all  that  I 
have  witnessed  of  Indian  character,  even  among  the  praiseworthy 
Nez  Perces.  And  should  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
withhold  her  protection  from  her  subjects  in  Oregon,  they  will  be 
under  the  neccessity  of  entering  into  treaty  stipulations  with  the 
Indians,  in  violation  of  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  as  prefera 
ble  to  a  resort  to  force  of  arms.  Hitherto,  the  emigrants  have 
had  no  serious  difficulty  in  passing  through  the  territory  of  these 
tribes  ;  but  that  their  passage  is  becoming  more  and  more  a  sub 
ject  of  interest  to  the  Indians,  is  abundantly  manifest.  They 
collect  about  the  road  from  every  part  of  the  country,  and  have 
looked  on  with  amazement;  but  the  novelty  of  the  scene  is  fast 


66 

loosing  its  power  to  hold  in  check  their  baser  passions.  The  next 
emigration  will  in  all  probability,  call  forth  developments  of  In 
dian  character,  which  have  been  almost  denied  an  existence  among 
these  people.  Indeed,  sir,  had  you  not  taken  the  precaution  to 
conciliate  their  good  feelings  and  friendship  towards  the  whites, 
just  at  the  time  they  were  meeting  each  other,  it  is  to  be  doubted 
whether  there  had  not  been  some  serious  difficulties.  Individuals 
on  both  sides  have  been  mutually  provoked  and  exasperated  du 
ring  the  passage  of  each  emigration,  and  these  cases  are  constantly 
multiplying.  Much  prudence  is  required  on  the  part  of  the  whites, 
and  unfortunately,  they  have  very  little  by  the  time  they  reach 
the  Columbia  valley.  Some  of  the  late  emigrants,  loosing  their 
horses,  and  very  naturally  supposing  them  stolen  by  the  Indians, 
went  to  the  bands  of  horses  owned  by  the  Indians  and  took  as 
many  as  they  wished. 

You  are  too  well  acquainted  with  Indians  to  suppose  that  such 
a  course  can  be  persisted  in  without  producing  serious  results.  I 
am  aware  that  this  is  looking  at  the  dark  side  ;  but,  sir,  perhaps  it 
is  wisdom  to  look  at  that  side  when  it  is  more  than  half  turned 
towards  us,  if,  by  looking,  we  can  find  some  way  to  turn  it  back 
again.  I  look  to  Ellis,  and  the  speedy  action  of  the  general  gov 
ernment  of  the  United  States,  as  the  brightest  features  in  the 
prospect  now  before  us.  Your  knowledge  of  my  situation  and 
circumstances,  render  any  apology  unnecessary  for  this  imperfect 
scroll. 

I  remain  your  humble  servant, 

H.  A.  G.  LEE. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  WAR,  OFFICE  OF  INDIAN  AFFAIRS, 

NOVEMBER  24,  1845. 

Hon.  WM.  L.  MARCY, 

.Secrntary  vf  War* 

'Two  interesting  and  very  instructive  reports  have  been  re 
ceived  from  the  sub^agent  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  They 
present  that  country  in  a  new  and  important  light  to  the  consid 
eration  of  the  public. 

The  advancement  'made  in  civilization  by  the  numerous  tribes 
of  Indians  in  that  remote  and  .hitherto  neglected  portion  of  our 
•territory,  with  so  few  advantages,  is  a  matter  of  surprise.  Indeed, 
•the  red  men  of  that  region  would  almost  seem  to  be  of  a  different 
order  from  those  with  whom  we  have  been  in  more  familiar  inter 
course.  A  few  years  since,  the  face  of  a  white  man  was  almost 
unknown  to  them  ;  now,  through  the  benevolent  policy  of  the  va- 
jious  Christian  churches,  and  the  indefatigable  exertions  of  the 


6T 

missionaries  in  their  employ,  they  hare  described  and  well  adap 
ted  rules  for  their  government,  which  are  observed  and  respectetl 
to  a  degree  worthy  of  the  most  intelligent  whites. 

Numerous  schools  have  grown  up  in  their  midst,  at  which  their 
children  are  acquiring  the  most  important  and  useful  informa 
tion.  They  have  already  advanced  to  a  degree  of  civilization 
that  promises  the  most  beneficial  results  to-  them  and  their  breth 
ren  on  this  side  the  mountains,  with  whom  they  may,  and  no 
doubt  will  at  some  future  period,  be  brought  into  intercourse. 
They  are  turning  their  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits,  andy 
with  but  few  of  the  necessary  utensils  in  their  possession,  already 
produce  sufficient  in  some  places  to  meet  their  every  want. 

Among  some  of  the  tribes  hunting  has  been  almost  entirely 
abandoned,  many  individuals  looking  wholly  to  the  soil  for  sup 
port. 

The  lands  are  represented  as  extremely  fertile^  and  the  climate' 
healthy,  agreeable,  and  uniform. 

Under  these  circumstances^  so  promising  in  their  consequences, 
and  grateful  to  the  feelings-  of  the  philanthropist,  it  would  seem 
to  be  the  duty  of  the  Government  of  the  IJnited  States  to-  encour 
age  their  advancement,  and  still  further  ai:d  their  progress  in  the 
paths  of  civilization.  I  therefore  respectfully  recommend  the  es 
tablishment  among  them  of  a  full  agency,  with  power  to  the  presi 
dent  to  make  it  an  acting  supermtendency ;  and  to  appoint  one 
or  more  sub-agents  whenever,  in  his  judgment,  the  same  may  be 
come  necessary  and  proper. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  su-bmittedr 

W,  MEDILL, 


WILILAMETTE  VALLEY,  APRIL  4,  IMS.- 

SIR  :  Through  the  politeness  of  Governor  McLaughlin,  the  Hud 
son's  Bay  express  leaving,  via.  the  mountains  for  Canada  to 
morrow — I  have  again  the  honor  and  pleasure  of  addressing  you 
from  this  remote  portion  of  earth. 

Since  my  last,  of  November,  1844,  giving  an  account  of  the 
destruction  of  the  distillery  the  general  health,  quietness,  pros 
perity,  and  rapid  growth  of  the  colony,  together  with  the  good 
order  and  decorum  which  prevailed  throughout  at  the  courts,  all 
has  moved  forward  here  as  satisfactorily  as  could  have  been  ex 
pected. 

Starting  too  late,  and  the  winter  rains  setting  in  earlier  than 
usual,  subjected  the  emigrants  to  incredible  suffering  and  hardships, 
especially  from  the  Dalles  of  the  Columbia  down  to  the  Willamette 


68 

valley;  but  our  early  and  delightful  spring  is  exerting  a  cheering 
and  most  salutary  influence  upon  their  hitherto  depressed  spirits. 
They  have,  bee  like,  been  hived  up  in  Oregon  city  during  the  win 
ter,  and  are  now  swarming  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  first 
occupants  of  the  hive ;  it  not  being  wide  and  large  enough  for  such 
an  unexpected  increase.  The  last  emigration,  numbering  about  a 
thousand,  are  generally  pleased  with  the  country,  and  are  setting 
about  their  spring's  work  with  becoming  spirit  and  fortitude. 

The  Indians  of  this  lower  country,  whose  national  honor  and 
dignity  are  laid  in  the  dust,  are  looking  upon  the  rapid  growth 
and  increased  strength  of  the  whites  with  sorrowful  countenances 
and  sad  hearts.  The  present  state  of  things  between  us  and  them 
is  peculiar,  critical,  unenviable,  and  dangerous*  at  least  so  far  as 
peace  and  property  are  concerned. 

For  instance  in  proof — soon  after  I  sent  my  despatches,  the 
chief  of  the  Fallatine  plains,  whose  orderly  conduct  and  that  of 
his  clan  did  honor  to  the  Nez  Perces  laws,  and  the  engagement 
we  had  mutually  entered  into,  called  on  me,  desiring  my  offices  in 
procuring  the  mending  of  his  gun.  This  being  done,  he  invited 
me  to  come  and  see  him  and  his  people ;  said  all  was  not  right  at 
his  lodge ;  his  tribe  was  divided,  and  all  was  not  right ;  his  in 
fluence  was  waning,  and  some  of  his  people  were  becoming  very 
bitter  towards  the  Americans.  Observing  anxiety  and  mental  re 
servation,  I  endeavored  to  draw  out  the  secret,  reminding  him  of 
the  frequent  communications  he  had  brought  me  from  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Clarke  and  Griffin,  bearing  such  satisfactory  testimony  to 
his  previous  quiet,  orderly,  and  proper  conduct,  etc.,  but  all  I 
could  learn  was,  "  things  are  not  right  with  us,  and  we  are  mis 
erable/' 

The  Camass,  their  principal  dependance  for  food  was  cut  off 
last  season  by  reason  of  drought ;  and  the  deer  are  hunted  so  much 
by  the  late  hungry  western  emigrant  riflemen,  that  they  have  be 
come  wild,  poor,  and  few  in  number.  The  chief  left. 

A  few  days  after,  I  learned  they  had  killed  an  ox  and  ate  it, 
belonging  to  a  neighboring  white  man.  The  owner  was  excited, 
and  applied  to  one  of  the  executive ;  a  proclamation  was  issued, 
the  military  was  called  out— if  it  be  lawful  to  call  it  such—and 
ample  preparations  made  to  avenge  the  national  insult,  and  seek 
redress  for  this  astounding  loss.  The  army  collected  upon  the  op 
posite  bank  of  the  river,  six  miles  from  the  position  occupied  by 
the  enemy,  talked  bravely,  long  and  loud,  but  the  river  was  a  lit 
tle  too  high  to  cross  that  day — appointed  another,  the  river  being 
lower ;  none  of  the  warriors  appeared ;  nor  could  the  executive, 
simply  for  the  want  of  a  few  gallons  of  alcohol,  abtain  the  neces 
sary  assistance  to  avenge  the  horrid  wrong,  and  perform  a  bril 
liant  military  exploit.  The  chief,  in  his  embarrassment  and  dis- 


59 

tress,  came  to  me  as  usual  for  sympathy  and  succor.  My  cold 
ness  and  look  of  severity — for  which  heaven  forgive  me ! — keenly 
afflicted  him.  After  a  deep  sigh  and  painful  pause,  peculiar  to  a 
wounded  or  injured  Indian^  he  slowly  rose^  gently  smiting  upon 
his  breast,  and  said,  "Dr.  White,  I  am  a  true  man,  and  carry  an 
honest  heart.  Do  you  remember  my  coming  to  get  my  gun  men 
ded  last  fall?  Do  you  remember  my  words,  that  all  was  not  right 
with  our  people,  and  my  inviting  you  to  come  and  see  us?  We  had 
just  before  killed  that  old  ox,  and  was  then  eating  it."  I  enquir 
ed,  had  you  anything  to  do  with  it  personally?  "Yes — I  helped 
to  kill  it,  and  with  my  family,  took  and  ate  one-half  of  the  animal. 
You  saw  the  condition  of  my  gun — our  provisions  were  out ;  I  and 
others  had  hunted  for  two  days — our  hunger  was- great.  We  held 
a  council,  and,  hoping  for  success,  I  promised  an  condition  nothing 
was  caught  till  the  setting  of  another  sun,  we  would  kill  the  first 
animal  we  met. 

I  travelled  far,  and  wearied  myself  till  evening ;  shot  often,  but 
killed  nothing.  We  met  this  poor  old  ox,  which  our  people  would 
scorn  to  kill  or  eat  except  in  cases  of  extreme  hunger ;  my  word 
was  passed  to  my  people ;  I  could  not  go  back  from  my  word ;  I 
helped  to  kill  and  butcher  the  ox,  and  joined  in  eating  him,  and 
now  my  peace  is  gone.  I  am  ashamed  to  see  a  white  man's  face 
— they  look  cold  on  me  and  shake  the  head;  I  cannot  bearit;  I 
cannot  live  so ;  I  come  to  you  to  help  me,  for  I  am  told  they  want 
to  kill  me.  I  do  not  want  such  feelings  to  exist ;  nor  do  I  want 
to  be  hunted  as  a  bear  or  wild  beast  for  slaughter.  I  stand  here 
a  wisher  of  peace,  willing  to  have  you  dictate  the  terms:  but  wish 
to  have  it  remembered  that  we  were  distressed  with  hunger." 
"Suppose,"  said  I,  "the  owner  should  require  your  rifle  and  four 
horses  ?"  "You  stand  to  judge  between  us,  and  I  shall  abide  your 
decision."  "But  you  have  broken  your  engagement  and  forfeited 
confidence,  and  I  fear  it  cannot  be  settled,  as  some  think  you  have 
killed  cattle  before."  "Doctor  White,  I  am  a  true  man,  and  lie 
not.  I  nor  my  people,  cannot  be  so  accused  justly ;  this  is  injurious ; 
none  can  meet  my  face  and  say  it."  I  wrote,  through  him  to  the 
owner,  praying,  as  it  was  the  first  offence  so  far  as  we  had  the 
least  evidence,  and  especially  in  view  of  our  critical  situation,  and 
his  general  good  behavior,  that  he  would  fully  indemnify  himself; 
and  then,  in  view  of  what  I  knew  of  the  condition  of  his  gun,  and 
and  the  probability  that  it  was  induced  by  hunger,  to  settle  it; 
and  requested  him  to  assure  the  chief  that  he  was  convinced  from 
my  letter  and  all  the  circumstances  in  connexion  with  his  past 
good  conduct,  that  it  must  have  been  brought  about  -by  hun 
ger. 

The  advice  was  rejected,  as  the  laws  of  the  organization  now 
had  cognizance  of  the  offence,  and  he  wished  to  see  them  faithfully 
10 


70 

enforced.  Public  opinion  became  divided,  and  no  judicial  expres 
sion  being  made,  and  the  poor  chief  becoming  excessively  tired  of 
being  held  by  public  opinion  in  durance  vile,  came  to  see  me  a  sec 
ond  time.  I  wrote  again,  and  learned  that  it  was  settled  by  the 
chief  and  bis  people  paying  his  rifle  and  eight  horses.  If  this  be 
correct  —as  I  fear  it  is — I  abominate  the  act,  and  dread  its  preju 
dicial  influence. 

Week  before  last  a  hungry  and  mischievous  lodge  killed  a  cow. 
They  were  pursued  by  a  party  of  whites,  overtaken,  and,  in  at 
tempting  to  take  them  the  Indians  fired  upon  the  whites,  killed  one 
horse,  and  wounded  another.  The  fire  was  returned,  one  Indian 
killed,  and  a  second  wounded.  Thus  ended  this  affair,  which 
created  very  little  excitement  among  whites  or  Indians. 

The  most  painful  circumstance  that  has  occurred  lately,  trans 
pired  last  fall  in  California.  The  Keyuse,  Wallawallas,  and  some 
of  the  chiefs  of  the  Spokans,  entered  upon  the  hazardous,  but 
grand  and  important  enterprise  of  going  directly  through  the  In 
dian  country  to  California,  with  a  view  of  exchanging  their  beaver, 
deer,  and  elk  skins,  together  with  their  surplus  horses  for  neat 
stock.  As  they  had  to  pass  through  an  extensive  country,  inhabi 
ted  by  the  savage  and  warlike  Clamets  and  Chestes,  where  Smith, 
Turner,  and  so  many  other  white  parties  had  been  defeated,  we 
are  at  a  loss  to  conclude  whether  their  valor  is  more  to  be  commen 
ded  than  the  rashness  of  their  stupendous  enterprise  to  be  censur 
ed.  They  were  well  mounted  and  equipped ;  the  chiefs  clad  in 
English  costume,  and  the  residue  attired  in  dressed  skins,  moul 
ded  according  to  their  several  tastes.  The  journey  of  seven  or 
eight  hundred  miles,  after  some  fighting,  watching,  and  much  fa 
tigue,  was  accomplished,  and  their  numbers  not  lessened. 

Taking  their  own  statement,  their  reception  was  cordial,  and 
the  impression  made  upon  the  whites  by  these  distant  and  half- 
civilized  people,  upon  and  errand  so  commendable,  was  most  favor 
able.  The  treating  and  salutations  being  over,  the  trade  com 
menced  in  good  faith,  and  to  mutual  satisfaction.  All  moved  on 
well,  till,  on  an  excursion  to  procure  elk  and  deer  skins,  they  met 
a  marauding  band  of  mountain  free-booters,  fought  them,  and,  be 
ing  victorious,  took  a  prize  of  twenty-two  horses,  all  previously 
stolen  from  the  whites. 

On  returning  to  the  settlements,  the  Spaniards  laid  claim  to  the 
animals.  The  chiefs  remonstrated,  and  said,  agreeably  to  their 
customs,  the  horses  were  theirs.  The  Spaniards  explained  their 
laws,  and  showed  the  animals  not  to  be  ventored,  i.  e.,  bearing  a 
transfer  mark,  and  told  the  Indians  they  must  give  them  to  the 
rightful  owners,  as  all  Americans  and  others  did.  The  Indians 
seemed  grieved,  and  rather  incensed ;  said  in  their  country  six  na 
tions  of  people  were  on  terms  of  amity,  and  that  in  case  any  one 


71 

of  these  six  nations  stole  a  horse,  the  tribe  was  responsible  for  the 
safe  delivery  of  that  animal  to  the  rightful  owner  ;  but  in  case  the 
Blackfeet  or  other  formidable  enemy  steal  or  capture,  the  proper 
ty  is  supposed  lost,  without  redemption ;  and  as  we  have  captured 
these  horses  at  the  hazard  of  our  lives,  from  your  long  openly  de 
clared  enemies,  we  think  they  ought  in  justice  to  be  ours.  The 
Spaniards  condescended  to  offer  ten  cows  for  the  redemption  of 
the  horses ;  the  chief  not  replying  five  more  were  added ;  he  still 
remaining  moody,  and  without  replying,  the  negotiation  unhappi 
ly  broke  off.  A  day  or  two  after,  an  American,  .seeing  his  mule 
among  the  number  captured,  told  the  Indians  it  was  his  mule,  and 
have  it  he  would.  Will  you,  said  a  young  chief  by  the  name  of 
Elijah  Heading;  and  stepping  into  the' lodge,  immediately  loaded 
his  rifle,  came  out  and  observed  significantly,  go  now  and  take 
your  mule.  The  American,  much  alarmed,  remarked,  I  hope  you 
are  not  going  to  kill  me.  No !  I  am  going  to  shoot  yonder  eagle, 
perched  upon  a  neighboring  oak.  Not  liking  the  appearance, 
the  man  left  without  attempting  to  obtain  his  mule.  A  day  or  two 
after  the  Indians  left  their  encampment  and  walked  down  to  the 
fort  of  Captain  Suter  to  church ;  and  from  the  best  information 
we  have  obtained — all  being  ex  parte — the  following  appears  to  be 
near  the  truth : 

After  service,  Elijah  was  invited  into  another  apartment,  taking 
•with  him  his  uncle,  a  brave  and  sensible  chief  of  the  age  of  five- 
and- forty ;  while  there,  in  an  unarmed  and  defenceless  condition, 
they  commenced  menacing  him  for  things  alleged  against  the  river 
Indians  of  this  upper  country,  in  which  none  of  them  had  any  par 
ticipation;  called  them  indiscriminately  dogs,  thieves,  £c.,  &c. 
This  American  then  observed,  yesterday  you  were  going  to  kil 
me — now  you  must  die — drawing  a  pistol.  Elijah,  who  had  beenl 
five  or  six  years  at  the  Methodist  mission,  and  had  learned  to 
read,  write,  and  speak  English  respectably,  said  deliberately — let 
me  pray  a  little  first ;  and  kneeling  down,  at  once  commenced ; 
and  while  invoking  the  divine  mercy,  was  shot  through  the  heart 
or  vitals  dead  upon  the  spot.  Every  measure,  as  the  Indians  say, 
was  taken  to  cut  them  all  off  by  the  Spaniards,  who  brought  out  the 
cannon,  with  other  fire-arms,  and  hotly  pursued  them,  and  tried 
to  prevent  their  escape  by  checking  and  interrupting  their  pas 
sage  across  the  ferries,  &c.,  &c.  But  at  length  they  all  arrived 
safely,  after  manifest  suffering,  leaving  the  herds  they  had  paid 
for  in  California. 

They  met  three  Americans  on  the  way  as  they  left  the  California 
settlements  and  had  them  in  their  power ;  but  instead  of  reveng 
ing  the  death  of  Elijah,  they  mounted  each  on  a  horse  of  their 
own,  and  sent  them  in,  telling  them  to  go  to  the  fort  and  acquaint 
the  people  that,  as  Christians,  they  could  not  kill  innocent  white 
people,  who  were  in  their  power  and  lodge. 


72 

Taking  for  truth  an  Indian  report,  this  horrible  affair  creates 
considerable  excitement,  and  there  13  some  danger  of  its  disturb 
ing  the  friendly  relation  that  has  hitherto  existed  between  us  here, 
and  all  those  formidable  tribes  in  the  region  of  Wallawalla  and 
Snake  rivers.  They  had  no  sooner  arrived  than  Ellis,  my  inter 
preter,  the  high  chief  of  the  Nez  Perces,  was  deputed  to  come 
down  and  learn  our  opinion  regarding  the  affair.  They  could  not 
have  sent  a  better  agent,  the  whites  all  giving  him  a  handsome 
and  cordial  reception.  From  Wallawalla  he  accompanied  Mr. 
Grant,  the  chief  trader  at  Fort  hall,  down  to  Vancouver.  He 
called  on  Dr.  McLaughlin,  whose  great  experience  and  address 
was  serviceable.  He  spoke  touchingly  of  the  violent  death  of  his 
own  son  upon  the  northwest  coast,  and  left  the  impression  that  he 
could  not  avoid  sympathising  with  the  father  and  friends  of  the 
young  chief.  Mr.  Douglas,  too,  an  early  friend,  patron,  and  fa 
vorite  of  Ellis,  aided  much  in  convincing  him  that  all  the  good  and 
virtuous  could  not  avoid  the  most  painful  regrets  at  so  melancholy 
a-  circumstance,  which  must  have  occurred  Dy  reason  of  the  differ 
ence  in  their  customs  or  laws;  imperfectly  understanding  each 
o  her,  or  from  some,  as  he  would  charitably  hope,  excusable-  cir- 
camstance. 

Under  the  influence  of  this  salutary  language  and  interview, 
Ellis  arrived  at  my  residence,  in  Willamette,  about  the  first  in- 
atant,  having  a  short  time  before,  got  a  hasty  communication, 
written  in  excitement,  from  Dr.  Whitman,  who  was  under  serious 
apprehensions  that  it  might  be  avenged  upon  some  of  the  whites 
of  the  upper  country.  Be  assured  I  was  happy  to  see  this,  my 
most  faithful  friend  and  interpreter.  Sir,  pardon  me  far  saying — 
isolated  as  we  are  here,  agitated  as  we  have  a  thousand  times  been, 
by  faithless  savages,  and  still  more  faithless  whites,  responsible, 
yet  powerless  and  defenceless  in  our  unsettled  state  of  things — 
to  meet  with  this  honest  man,  this  real  friend,  though  an  Indian, 
gave  me  hearty  pleasure. 

His  thorough  education  at  Red  river,  moulded  him  into  more  of 
the  white  man  than  Indian.  His  prudence  and  good  management 
with  his  tribe  sanctioned  the  choice  that  had  been  made,  and  all 
the  whites  spoke  handsomely  of  his  kind  offices  and  obliging  de 
portment,  whilst  emigrating  through  his  country.  Being  satisfied 
of  the  safety  and  policy,  I  feasted  him  well,  and  took  at  once  un 
observed  measures  to  have  him  invited  to  every  respectable  place 
abroad,  where  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  received  him  so  cordially, 
and  feasted  him  eo  richly  and  delicately,  that  he  almost  forgot 
the  object  of  his  embassy,  and,  I  verily  believe,  thought  extreme 
ly  highly  of  the  whites  at  Willamette,  however  he  might  have 
thought  of  the  conduct  of  the  Californians. 

Being  anxious  to  make  this  visit  useful  to  him  and  his  people. 


73 

sffi  well  as  pleasant,  after  spending  a  few  days  in  visiting  the 
schools,  as  well  as  the  principal  inhabitants  and  places  of  inte 
rest,  I  showed  him  my  little  library,  told  him  to  make  himself  at 
home ;  put  on  my  farmer's  garb,  and  commenced  working  on  my 
plantation.  He  soon  came  out,  accompanied  by  a  wealthy*  cousin, 
and  begged  for  tools  to  assist  me.  I  loaned  them,  and  found  he 
was  much  at  home  in  their  use.  He  spent  with  me  a  sufficient 
length  of  time  to  convince  me  of  the  truth  reported  concerning 
his  cheerfulness  in  labor,  as  well  as  his  knowledge,  application, 
and  assiduity  in  business.  He  spoke  sensibly  of  the  advantages 
of  industry,  and  the  astonishing  change  that  had  been  effected 
among  his  people,  by  the  cultivation  of  the  soil;  assured  me  that 
every  family  or  lodge  now  raised  an  abundance  for  home  consump 
tion,  besides  having  considerable  quantities  to  barter  with  the 
whites.  He  says  he  raised  himself,  the  past  season,  six  hundred 
bushels  of  peas,  with  a  fine  crop  of  wheat,  potatoes,  beans,  &c.  &c. ; 
spoke  properly  of  its  moral  and  social  effects.  Wars  were  no 
longer  talked  of,  and  the  chase  was  nearly  abandoned;  the  book 
and  the  Bible  consumed  their  leisure  moments.  Polygamy,  once 
so  common,  except  in  two  solitary  cases,  was  done  away,  and  not 
a  lodge  of  my  people  but  observe  the  Sabbath,  and  regularly  at 
tend  morning  and  evening  devotion.  All  this  was  only  corobora- 
tive  of  what  I  had  previously  heard  from  other  sources.  He  spent 
ten  days  with  me,  in  the  most  cheerful,  agreeable,  and  profitable 
manner,  and  at  the  close  I  felt  myself  the  better  and  happier  for 
the  visit;  nor  did  I  marvel  that  his  influence  was  increasing  and 
the  prospects  of  his  people  brightening. 

Pardon  me ;  for,  in  thinking  of  his  visit  and  dwelling  upon  his 
excellencies,  I  had  like  to  have  forgotten  his  agency.  Learning 
from  Dr.  Whitman,  who  resides  in  their  midst,  how  much  they 
were  all  excited  by  reason  of  the  treacherous  and  violent  death  of 
this  educated  and  accomplished  young  chief,  and  perhaps  more 
especially  by  the  loss  they  had  sustained  ;  and  then,  after  suffer 
ing  so  many  hardships,  and  encountering  so  many  dangers,  losing 
the  whole — I  apprehended  there  might  be  much  difficulty  in  ad 
justing  it,  particularly  as  they  lay  much  stress  upon  the  restless, 
disaffected  scamps  late  from  Willamette  to  California,  loading 
them  with  the  vile  epithets  of  "dogs,"  "thieves,"  &c.  &c.,  from 
which  they  believed,  or  affected  to,  that  the  slanderous  reports  of 
our  citizens  caused  all  their  loss  and  disasters,  and  therefore  held 
us  responsible.  He  assured  me  that  the  Wallawallas,  Keyuse, 
Nez  Perces,  Spokans,  Ponderays,  and  Snakes,  were  all  on  terms 
of  amity,  and  that  a  portion  of  the  aggrieved  party  were  for  rai 
sing  about  two  thousand  warriors  of  these  formidable  tribes,  and 
march  to  California  at  once,  and  nobly  revenge  themselves  on 
the  inhabitants  by  capture  and  plunder,  enrich  themselves  upon 


74 

the  spoils ;  others,  not  indisposed  to  the  enterprise,  wished  first  to 
learn  how  it  would  be  regarded  here,  and  whether  we  would  re 
main  neutral  in  the  affair.  A  third  party  were  for  holding  us  re 
sponsible,  as  Elijah  was  killed  by  an  American,  and  the  Ameri 
cans  inwnsed  the  Spaniards.  Ellis  reminded  me  at  the  same 
time  of  the  ill  success  the  chiefs  met  with  in  trading  off  their  ten 
dollar  drafts  for  herds,  with  the  emigrants  ;  which  drafts  I  had 
sent  np  by  Mr.  Lee,  my  interpreter,  to  secure  peace  and  safety 
while  the  emigrants  were  passing  through  their  country  ;  the  year 
before  so  many  having  been  pillaged  and  robbed  of  their  effects, 
through  the  inattention  of  the  chiefs. 

Sir,  how  this  affair  will  end,  is  difficult  to  conjecture  ;  the 
general  impression  is,  that  it  will  lead  to  the  most  disastrous  con 
sequences  to  the  Californians,  themselves,  or  to  this  colony.  My 
principal  fear  is,  that  it  will  result  in  so  much  jealously,  prejudice 
and  disaffection,  as  to  divert  their  minds  from  the  pursuit  of 
knowledge,  agriculture,  and  the  menas  of  civilization,  which  they 
have  been  for  such  a  length  of  time  so  laudably  engaged  in  ob 
taining. 

Should  this  be  the  case  with  these  numerous  brave,  and  for 
midable  tribes,  the  results  to  them  would  be  indeed  most  calami 
tous.  To  prevent  such  a  result  I  wrote,  through  Ellis,  a  long, 
cordial,  and  rather  sympathising  letter  to  the  chiefs  of  these 
tribes,  assuring  them  that  I  should  at  once  write  to  the  Governor 
of  California,  to  Captain  Suter,  and  to  our  great  chief  respecting 
this  matter.  With  a  view  to  divert  attention,  and  promote  good 
feeling,  I  invited  all  the  chiefs  to  come  down  in  the  fall,  before 
the  arrival  of  the  emigrants,  in  company  with  Dr.  Whitman  and 
Mr.  Spalding,  and  confer  with  me  npon  this  subject ;  at  the  same 
time,  as  they  had  been  so  unfortunate,  to  bring  along  their  ten 
dollar  drafts,  and  exchange  them  with  me  for  a  cow  and  calf, 
each  out  of  my  own  herds.  I  likewise  wrote  them,  that  on  con 
dition  they  would  defer  going  to  California  till  the  spring  of 
1847,  and  each  chief  assist  me  to  the  amount  of  two  beaver  skins, 
to  get  a  good  manual  labor  literary  institution  established  for  the 
English  education  of  their  sons  and  daughters — a  subject  they  feel 
the  deepest  interest  in — I  would  use  every  measure  to  get  the 
unhappy  affair  adj  usted ;  and,  as  a  token  of  my  regard  for  them, 
would,  from  my  private  funds,  give  the  chiefs  five  hundred  dol 
lars,  to  assist  them  in  purchasing  young  cows  in  California.  I 
likewise  proffered,  as  they  are  so  eager  for  it,  to  start  the  Eng 
lish  school  next  fall,  by  giving  them  the  services  of  Mr.  Lee,  my 
interpreter,  for  four  months,  commencing  in  November  next. 

Ellis  more  than  properly  appreciated  my  motives  and  proffers, 
and  said  he  was  of  the  full  belief  that  the  chiefs  would  accede  to 
my  proposition  ;  spoke  of  the  importance  of  the  English  school, 


75 

and  of  the  strong  and  general  desire  to  obtain  it.     He  left  in  higb 
hopes  of  a  continuance  of  peace  and  onward  prosperity  to  his  peo- 


BANCROFT 


A  few  days  later  brought  me  into  another  excitement  and  dif 
ficulty,  at  Vancouver.  Two  young  men,  named  in  McLaugh- 
lin's  communication  to  this  government  —  a  copy  of  which,  marked 
A,  together  with  a  reply,  accompanying  these  despatches—crossed 
the  Columbia  river,  and,  unobserved,  in  the  midst  of  a  little 
thicket  something  over  half  a  mile  from  Fort  Vancouver,  felled 
some  timber  —  threw  up  a  few  logs  in  the  shape  of  a  hut,  intend 
ing  soon  to  finish  it  —  put  up  a  paper  upon  a  contiguous  tree,  sta 
ting  that  they  had  commenced  and  intended  to  establish  a  claim 
agreeably  with  -  here  the  note  ended.  Some  one  about  the  es 
tablishment,  observing  the  paper  and  commencement  of  the  huty 
reported  it  to  the  Governor,  who  sent  down  at  once  and  had  all 
the  timber  removed  from  the  vicinity  ;  the  tree  felled,  and  that, 
with  the  paper  likewise,  removed.  They  had  hardly  cleared  the 
ground  when  the  claimants  arrived  with  a  surveyor,  and  com 
menced  surveying  off  a  section  of  land,  embracing  the  post  first 
commenced  upon.  They  were  enquired  of,  at  the  instance  of 
Gov.  McLaughlin,  as  to  their  object  and  intentions.  They  at 
once  laid  down  the  chain,  dropt  all  business,  and  walked  up  to 
the  Fort.  Several  respectable  and  influential  American  citizens 
happened  to  be  present  on  business,  who,  with  myself,  were  re 
spectfully  invited  to  hear  the  discussion. 

Williamson,  a  modest  and  respectable  young  man,  deported 
himself  with  propriety  ;  but  Alderman,  his  associate,  a  boisterous, 
hair-  brained  young  fellow,  caused  me  —  as  occasionally  others  do  — 
to  blush  for  American  honor.  His  language  was  most  severe, 
and,  but  for  the  sake  of  the  country's  quiet,  could  not  have  been 
endured  ;  the  Governor  and  Mr.  Douglass  displaying  their  usual 
calmness  and  forbearance.  I  heard  the  discussion  for  two  hours  ; 
and,  becoming  satisfied  that  no  possible  good  could  grow  out  of 
it,  remarked  that  with  the  cheerful  consent  of  both  parties  I 
would  give  my  sense  of  the  matter. 

Each  readily  consenting,  I  thought  best  to  come  up  on  the  blind 
side  of  Alderman  ;  treated  his  measures  with  less  severity,  and 
himself  with  more  consideration  and  respect,  than  he  anticipated  ; 
then  spoke  of  Greenough's  construction  of  the  treaty  between  the 
two  governments  —  which  I  happened  to  have  with  me  —  of  the  im 
mense  district  of  country  dependant  upon  this  establishment  for 
supplies  in  beef,  pork,  etc.,  and  as  evidence  that  they  had  no  more 
land  contiguous  than  was  necessary  for  their  purposes,  spoke  of 
the  number  of  cattle  and  other  stock  that  had  died  from  starva 
tion  during  the  last  winter  ;  dwelt  upon  the  importance  of  union 
and  good  feeling  among  all  the  whites,  surrounded  as  we  were  by 


ravages,  in  our  weak  and  defenceless  condition,  and  of  the  pror- 
priety  of  establishing  correct  precedents  in  our  unsettled  state, 
regarding  land  claims ;  and,  without  advising  particularly  either 
party,  TOok  my  seat. 

Williamson  and  Alderman  soon  manifested  a  desire  for  a  private 
interview,  which  resulted  in  a  suspension  of  hostilities  for  the  pre 
sent,  and  probably  an  abandonment  of  the  claim. 

Now,  my  dear  sir,  suffer  me  to  write  a  few  things  concerning 
this  country  3  which  seem  to  me  strongly  to  demand  the  speedy 
attention  of  the  members  of  our  government.  Take  fifty  men 
from  the  colony,  of  the  most  intelligence,  firmness,  and  prudence, 
and  anarchy  and  confusion  would  follow.  Suffer  a  free  introduc 
tion  of  ardent  spirits,  and  desolation,  horror,  dismay,  and  blood 
shed  ensue.  Never  were  a  people  more  illy  prepared  for  self-gov 
ernment,  nor  more  unfavorably  circumstanced  to  succeed — aside 
from  the  single  fact  of  the  absence  of  intoxicating  drinks. 

Sir,  too  great  a  portion  of  our  population  comes  from  the  wes 
tern  suburbs  of  civilization,  for  one  moment's  safety  to  us  in  our 
present  condition.  I  know  not  but  I  have  as  much  patience  as 
most  men,  but  am  heartily  tired  of  this  state  of  things.  Nor 
would  I  run  the  risk  again,  by  land  and  water,  from  whites  and 
savages,  for  the  safety  and  quietness  of  the  colony  and  country, 
for  all  the  wealth  of  earth.  I  have  not  shrunk  from  toil,  danger, 
nor  hardships,  and  though  alone-handed  and  unsustained  black 
balled  and  traduced,  astonishing  to  say,  my  measures  have  as  yet 
succeeded.  I  think  of  the  past  with  a  clear  conscience,  yet  at 
present,  at  peace  as  we  are,  I  look  upon  our  critical  condition  with 
an  anxious,  aching  heart,  feeling  that  the  members  of  our  govern 
ment  err  exceedingly  towards  their  citizens  in  Oregon. 

As  I  have  so  often  said  of  this  lower  country,  with  its  beauty, 
excellence  of  soil,  and  mildness  of  climate,  it  might  be  rendered 
the  paradise  of  earth;  but,  sir,  every  thing  is  jeopardized  by  the 
tardiness  of  our  government  measures;  not  only  the  poor,  injured 
natives,  but  the  whites  generally,  have  become  wearied  to  impa 
tience  in  waiting  for  an  expression  from  our  government,  and 
disaffection,  with  a  want  of  confidence,  is  taking  the  place  of  pre 
vious  warm  feeling  and  strong  attachment. 

I  regret  this  exceedingly,  but  feel  it  my  duty  to  speak  out  in 
truth  and  distinctness  on  this  important  point.  I  have  said  and 
done  what  I  could  to  keep  up  confidence  and  hope ;  but  already 
aspirants  are  haranguing  in  favor  of  independence,  and  using  the 
most  disparaging  language  regarding  the  measures  of  our  govern 
ment  as  a  reason  for  action.  These  are  but  the  beginnings,  and, 
though  I  am  glad  to  say  such  sentiments  do  not  generally  obtain, 
yet  they  are  more  favorably  listened  to  this  year  than  last;  their 
natural  results  and  practical  tendency  you  will  readily  perceive. 


Your  atiiiuat  report  of  1843,  reached  mo  only  a  fetf  days 
having  been  broken  open  on  the  way,  then  put  into  the  hands  of 
Indians,  and  forwarded  to  me  through  that  channel.  And  whil<* 
I  have  to  regret  never  having  received  any  thing  from  your  pen, 
be  assured  I  am  not  insensible  to  the  honor  done  me,  in  speaking 
as  you  did  of  my  report,  through  yours  of  1843'  to  the  Secretary 
of  War.  I  feel  any  kind  expression  from  home  the  more  sensibly, 
from  the  torrent  of  opposition  I  have  been  forced  to  meet  and  con 
tend  with  here;  but  I  am  happy  to  observe  that  my  influence  is 
increasing,  and  my  measures  are  being  better  understood  and 
appreciated. 

Influence  here  is  most  important;  I  felt  this  strikingly  a  few 
weeks  since.  Three  among  the  most  correct  and  sensible  men  of 
the  colony  formed  a  co-partnership  to  enter  largely  upon  the 
brewery  business.  They  had  already  taken  some  steps ;  and  as 
the  business  promised  to  be  lucrative,  the  probabilities  were  against 
me  in  attempting  to  dissuade  them  from  their  purpose.  I  visited 
them,  labored  calmly,  honestly,  and  faithfully,  and  felt  the  differ 
ence  of  dealing  or  talking  with  men  of  sense  and  principle,  over 
many  with  whom  I  have  to  do  in  Oregon. 

The  interview  broke  up  most  agreeably,  not  an  unpleasant  sen 
tence  having  passed;  the  gentlemen  engaging  to  give  me  their  de 
cision  very  soon.  This  was  communicated  to  me  two  days  after, 
in  a  delicate  and  handsome  manner,  which  was  entirely  to  my 
wishes,  the  business  being  altogether  abandoned.  This  was  moat 
gratifying  to  me,  as  from  such  a  quarter  should  beer  be  introduced, 
it  would  be  impossible  for  us  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  stronger 
drink  into  the' colony  and  country,  which,  of  all  others,  is  most  illy 
prepared  to  receive  it.  < 

The  colony,  now  numbering  about  four  thousand,  is  in  a  most 
flourishing  state,  and  I  am  doubtful  if  any  like  number  are  more 
pleased  or  better  contented  in  our  wide  domain.  The  schools  of 
the  country  during  the  last  winter  have  been  well  sustained;  I 
have  contributed  to  each,  as  was  necessary,  from  ten  to  ^  fifteen 
dollars,  to  pay  rents,  etc.,  and  to  encourage  them  forward  in  their 
laudable  struggle  to  educate  their  rising  families. 

I  attended  the  examination  of  the  Methodist  institute  school  a 
few  weeks  since,  and  was  most  agreeably  impressed  regarding  the 
institution. 

The  pleasant  deportment  and  improved  manners  of  the  young 
ladies  and  gentlemen  of  the  school,  saying  nothing  of  their  aston 
ishing  advancement  in  the  different  departments  of  literature,  was 
a  cause  of  the  highest  gratification.  I  have  nowhere  attended  an 
examination,  taking  all  things  into  the  account,  more  creditable  to 
the  principal  or  institution.  I  have  called  for  a  report,  but  am 
»orry  to  say  it  has  not  yet  come  to  hand, 

n 


78 

The  branches  taught  arc  rhetoric,  grammar,  geography,  arith 
metic,  reading,  writing,  and  spelling.  The  most  enlightened  and 
best  disposed  are  using  their  influence  to  strengthen  the  organi 
zation,  and  perfect  the  laws  of  the  colony.  Many  are  favorable 
to  the  adoption  of  a  constitution,  by  calling  a  convention  for  that 
purpose  the  present  season.  This  being  the  most  enlightened 
sense,  and  meeting  with  little  opposition,  I  am  of  the  opinion  it 
will  prevail.  Should  this  be  effected,  the  constitution,  accom 
panied  with  a  petition,  will  probably  be  forwarded  by  a  delegate 
from  this  country  to  Washington  city  the  coming  winter.  As  the 
friends  to  the  constitution  generally  wish  best  to  the  country,  and 
desire  to  have  every  thing  so  conducted  as  not  to  embarrass,  but 
meet  with  acceptance  at  home,  I  am  solicited  to  be  said  delegate 
and  represent  the  wants  of  Oregon.  A  circulating  medium  is 
greatly  needed ;  however,  the  enterprise  and  onward  march  of 
this  people  cannot  easily  be  repressed.  Through  the  auspices  of 
the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  almost  every  man,  requesting  and 
needing  it,  is  helped  to  sufficient  means  to  commence  on  his  sec 
tion  of  kind  ;  and,  certainly,  by  far  the  greater  number  give  evi 
dence  of  well-placed  confidence.  The  prairies  are  dotted  over 
with  houses,  and  the  fruitful  fields  are  spreading  out  widely  all 
around  us.  Moral  and  religious  influence,  I  regret  to  say,  is 
waning ;  yet  it  is  gratifying  to  observe  an  increasing  interest  upon 
the  subject  of  sclools  and  education  ;  and  I  am  happy  to  say  we 
have  now  eleven  schools  this  side  of  the  mountains,  most  of  them 
small,  to  be  sure,  but  they  are  exerting  a  salutary  and  beneficial 
influence. 

Pardon  the  length  and  want  of  interest  of  my  report.  Did  not 
duty  hold  me  here,  or  had  I  funds  appropriated  to  travel  abroad 
to  explore  this  delightful  region  of  surrounding  country,  from 
what  I  learn  of  vague  reports,  J  have  little  doubt  but  much  in 
teresting,  curious  and  important  information  might  be  collected. 
But  here  I  am,  doomed  to  sit,  watch,  and  sometimes  almost  fight 
for  peace  between  whites  and  Indians — the  question  of  right  and 
wrong  becoming  more  and  more  complicated  continually ;  while 
here,  allow  me  say,  the  settling  these  difficulties  necessarily  costs 
me  not  a  little.  I  believe  most  fully,  in  making  a  settlement  with 
an  Indian  or  tribe,  to  have  it  a  happy,  earnest  and  hearty  one ; 
and,  in  order  to  affect  this,  they  require  a  present  as  a  seal.  And, 
sir,  this  is  my  principal  means  of  usefulness  or  influence  over 
-these  poor,  andr  in  many  instances,  injured  natives.  Their  seem 
ing  confideflee  and  regard  makes  one  the  mo-re  patient  and  cheer 
ful  in  doing  for  them ;  »or  can  I  complain,  as  so  many  east  of  the 
mountains  have  been  obliged  to,  of  violated  faith  on  the  part  of 
the  Indians.  From  all  I  can  learn,  much  of  which  little  reliance 
is  to  be  placed,  there  appears  to  be  about  twenty- seven  thousand 


70 

Indians  in  the  territory,  allowing  it  to  extend  to  54°  407  north 
latitude. 

Mr.  Lee's — my  interpreter — report  accompanying  this,  you  will 
observe.  I  would  have  accompanied  him  but  for  the  season  of 
the  year,  and  the  prevalence  of  the  dysentery,  which  is  sweeping 
off  the  natives  of  this  lower  country.  This  gave  rise  to  Dr. 
Long's  bill,  which,  I  hope,  will  be  honored,  as  it  was  a  work  of 
humanity  as  well  as  policy.  I  directed  it,  as  I  could  not  possibly 
attend  to  those  and  these  at  the  same  time,  there  being  about 
forty  miles  between  us. 

I  hope,  Providence  permitting,  to  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
you  and  the  other  gentlemen  of  the  departments,  at  Washington, 
in  a  few  weeks,  or  months  at  longest,  after  this  reaches,  and  of 
explaining  my  accounts  and  reasons  for  expenditures. 

I  had  not  expected  to  draft  on  the  department  this  spring ;  but 
there  was  no  other  means  of  settling  with  Gov.  McLaughlin,  for 
the  want  of  a  circulating  medium  through  which  to  operate. 

Enclosed  is  a  letter  from  Peter  H.  Burnett,  Esq.,  which  I  pro 
posed  forwarding  in  my  last  despatches,  but  received  too  late  for 
transmission. 

With  great  respect,  I  am,  dear  sir, 

Your  most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

ELIJAH  WHITE, 
Sub- Agent  Indian  Affairs,  W.  R.  M* 


ALBANY,  JOLT  29,  lP4tu 

DR.  ELIJAH  WHITE  : 

DEAR  SIR  :  Your  letter  of  the  22d  inst.  was  duly  received ;  and 
I  regret  that  circumstances  have  prevented  an  earlier  answer.  In 
compliance  with  your  request,  I  proceed  to  state  the  circumstan 
ces  of  your  appointment  of  Indian  sub-agent  for  the  Oregon 
country. 

Soon  after  entering  the  war  department,  my  attention  was  turned 
to  the  c  ondition  of  the  citizens  residing  upoia^  or  in  the  viciaity  of 
the  Columbia  river.  They  were  not  only  without  any  government 
to  regulate  themselves,  but  they  were  practically  without  the  pro 
tection  of  their  own  government,  and  exposed  to  the  encroach 
ments  of  the  British  authorities  there,  as  well  as  to  the  attacks  of 
the  Indians. 

In  the  then  condition  of  our  relations  with  Great  Britain  it  was 
very  important  that  our  citizens  should  have  some  known  agent  of 
the  government,  to  whom  they  might  look  for  advice  and  some  de 
gree  of  protection ;  and  it  was  equally  important  that  the  govern 
ment  should  have  some  trustworthy  and  responsible  officer  upoz* 


$0 

the  spot,  to  watch  our  interests  arid  inform  us  of  every  movement 
of  the  British  authorities  and  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company,  and 
to  interpose,  as  far  as  possible,  to  prevent  Indian  aggressions. 
While  the  subject  was  under  consideration,  both  by  the  president 
and  myself,  you  appeared  at  Washington  and  was  introduced  to 
me.  We  learned  that  you  had  resided  at  Willamette,  on  the 
Columbia,  and  in  conversation  with  you,  1  found  you  to  be  well 
informed  on  the  subject,  and  that  you  fully  appreciated  the  objects 
of  an  agency  there.  After  consultation  with  the  president,  and 
with  Dr.  Linn,  the  distinguished  Senator  from  Missouri,  who  for 
years  had  taken  particular  interest  in  the  matter,  and  with  their 
advice  and  sanction,  I  proposed  to  you  the  appointment  of  Indian 
sub-agent  for  the  Indians  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains — that  be 
ing  the  only  office  in  the  power  of  the  executive  to  bestow  which 
would  at  all  answer  the  purpose  in  view,  arid  you  was  URGED  to 
accept  it,  and  to  raise  as  large  a  company  of  our  citizens  as  possi 
ble,  to  proceed  with  you,  and  settle  in  the  Oregon  country.  The 
insufficiency  of  the  salary — seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars — was 
admitted,  but  it  was  the  best  we  could  offer ;  and,  as  an  induce 
ment  to  you  to  accept  the  appointment,  you  was  told  that  a  bill 
had  been,  or  would  be,  introduced  into  the  Senate  by  Mr.  Linn,  in 
relation  to  the  Oregon  territory,  in  which  provisions  would  be 
made  for  Indian  agencies  of  a  higher  grade  and  greater  compen 
sation  ;  and  I  think  one  thousand  five  hundred  or  two  thousand 
dollars  was  mentioned  as  the  probable  salary.  You  -was  assured, 
that  if  such  a  bill  passed  Congress,  you  would  receive  an  appoint 
ment  to  the  highest  grade  of  agency,  and  that  you  might  depend 
upon  the  support  of  the  department,  and  the  good  will  of  the  presi 
dent — and  the  utmost  liberality  consistent  with  the  laws,  in  de 
fraying  any  extra  expenses  which  they  authorized.  Under  these 
circumstances  you  accepted  the  appointment  of  sub-Indian  agent, 
and  I  have  no  doubt  with  the  expectation  of  receiving  an  appoint 
ment  of  a  higher  grade,  and  with  a  larger  salary.  The  bill  of 
Senator  Linn  did  not  pass,  and  you  was  left  in  the  place  to  which 
you  was  originally  appointed. 

I  bear  testimony  very  cheerfully  to  the  fidelity  and  zeal  with 
which  you  discharged  the  duties  of  your  station,  and  endeavored 
to  accomplish  the  objects  of  Government.  You  succeeded  in  organ 
izing  a  party  of  more  than  one  hundred  of  our  citizens  to  emigrate 
to  Oregon ;  and  I  have  every  reason  to  believe  that  your  services 
were  eminently  useful  to  the  government,  and  beneficial  to  the  sett 
lers.  I  deeply  regret  that  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  the  adminis 
tration,  of  which  I  was  a  member,  to  render  you  adequate  remune 
ration  for  those  services,  and  for  the  great  labor  and  toil,  and  the 
devotion  of  your  time,  to  what  was  then  deemed,  and  is  still  be 
lieved  to  have  boon  objects  of  grent  public  interest.  I  trust  that 


31 

the  present  Congress  will  make  a  liberal  provision   for   the   defi 
ciency. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  C.  SPENCER. 


Done  by  the  House  of  Representatives  of  Oregon  Territory,   this 
14:th  day  of  August,  1845  : 

Whereas  the  adoption  by  the  people  of  this  territory  of  the 
amended  organic  laws  of  Oregon  was  an  act  of  necessity  rather 
than  of  choice,  and  was  intended  to  give  to  the  people  the  protec 
tion  which,  of  right  should  be  extended  to  them  by  their  govern 
ment,  and  not  as  an  act  in  defiance  or  disregard  of  the  authority 
or  laws  of  the  United  States.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  1st.  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  house,  the  Congress 
of  the  United  States,  in  establishing  a  territorial  government  in 
Oregon,  should  legalize  the  acts  of  the  people  of  this  territory,  so 
far  as  they  are  in  accordance  with  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States. 

2d.  That  Dr.  Elijah  White,  sub-Indian  agent  of  this  Territory, 
be  requested  to  present  a  copy  of  the  amended  organic  laws  of 
Oregon  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

3d.  That  these  resolutions  be  endorsed  upon  said  copy,  with  the 
vote  of  the  house  adopting  the  same. 

On  the  adoption  of  the  above  resolutions,  the  vote  of  the  houso 
was  unanimous. 

M.  M.  McCARVER,  Speaker. 
.  Attest:     J.  E.LoNQ,   Clerk. 


REFLECTIONS. 

It  is  of  little  use  to  speak  of  the  past ;  the  dignity,  the  power, 
the  wealth,  and  prowess  of  the  Indian  is  gone.  His  ancient  cus 
toms  are  unsuited  to  his  present  surroundings — his  wild  fowl  and 
game  is  gone  or  scattered  and  wild  ;  he  is  lost  to  the  use  of  the 
bow  and  arrow — the  war  song  is  not  heard,  and  his  dance  is  is  sel 
dom  and  but  feebly  performed ;  and  all  is  sad  and  cheerless  in 
prospect  for  the  poor  Indian. 

His  once  wide  extended,  valued,  and  magnificent  domain  has 
passed  into  our  hands — a  narrow  strip  each  side  the  distant 
Rocky  Mountains  only  is  left ;  and  even  there,  at  the  centre 
of  his  only  hope,  is  thrown  in  a  large  and  flourishing  colony  of 
whites,  killing  and  scattering  hia  antelope,  deer,  elk  and  buffalo, 


32 

upon  which  his  very  existence  depends.  All  their  fine  valleys  are 
occupied  by  the  whites  ;  and  a  more  forlorn  and  pitiable  condition 
with  more  wretched  prospects,  were  never  spread  out  before  the 
«ye  and  mind  of  human  beings. 

We  Republicans  occasionally  talk  of  the  wrongs  of  the  negro 
race.  It  would  be  wiser  and  more  fitting  to  look  closely  to 
greater  wrongs  "  at  least  in  part  easily  remedied,"  nearer  home. 

We  claim  to  be  the  guardians  of  the  Indians,  but  do  we  guard, 
guide*,  or  protect  them  as  we  should  ?  Is  our  Indian  system  for 
the  mutual  benefit  of  the  governed,  and  the  government ;  or  mainly 
for  one  party?  Is  it  educational,  or  what  is  its  object  but  to  buy 
and  pay  for  the  Indians*  land,  and  prevent  their  retaliation  for 
wrongs  often  inflicted  upon  them  by  ruthless  whites  ? 


WHAT  CAN  AND  SHOULD  BE  DONE? 

Without  respect  to  political  considerations,  "  any  more  than  as 
if  acting  as  guardians  for  the  children  of  deceased  relatives"  we 
ought  to  fill  the  offices  under  the  present  Indian  system,  with  the 
wisest  and  best  men  that  can  be  procured.  And  as  all  the  usages 
and  ideas  of  the  natives  are  in  the  direction  of  a  hereditary  gov 
ernment;  or,  as  with  them,  once  a  chief  always  a  chief;  and  as 
by  reason  of  this  they  are  ADDLED,  CONFUSED  and  injured  by  our 
frequent  changes  of  officers,  we  should  never  change  but  for  un- 
fitness  or  mal-practice. 

Farther,  in  my  judgment,  a  new  office  should  be  created  over 
each  great  department  of  the  work ;  placing  the  officer  contiguous 
to  the  field  of  labor — one  for  the  Pacific,  and  two  for  this  side  the 
mountains. 

This  officer  should  be  in  fact  and  name,  a  supervisor  of  Indian 
Affairs,  and  his  duties  in  substance  as  follows : 

Not  being  a  disbursing  officer,  and  thereby  less  liable  to  cor 
ruption,  he  should  see  disbursed,  and  vouch  for  all  large  sums 
appropriated  to  the  Indians  of  his  district,  in  connection  with  the 
•disbursing  agents  ;  and  this  would  assist  in  arresting  and  prevent 
ing  frauds  and  peculation.  Second,  he  should  supervise,  say, 
and  do  what  he  could  to  advance  .education  and  improvement  among 
the  natives,  and  <c*iltivate  good  understanding  between  agents, 
teachers,  and  missionaries,  in  the  field  over  which  he  presides. 
Third;  He  should  have  power  to  suspend  any  officer,  upon  the 
proper  proofs  of  violation  of  his  instructions,  under  the  laws 
of  Congress,  and  place  another  in  his  stead  till  investigation  could 
be  had  and  redress  sought  at  Washington.  Fourth,  he  should 
be  empowered,  and  he  only  of  his  district,  to  decide  in  relation  to 
all  wars,  and  none  should  be  declared  without  his  sanction  and 


83 

concurrence,  and  he  the  power  at  any  time  to  arrest  when  m  Ms- 
judgment,  duty  and  the  public  interest  demand  such  action. 

In  California  and  Oregon  he  should  be  empowered  to  call  upon 
the  Governors,  in  case  of  necessity  for  military  assistance  to- 
stop  the  wicked  raids  of  whites  upon  Indians,  as-  well  as  Indians 
upon  whites,  and  this  being  understood,  would  have  a  powerful 
influence  in  checking  crime  in  both  States. 

He  should  be  empowered  to  negotiate  with  the  Board  of  Mis- 
sions  to  establish  s-uch  schools,  and  other  means  of  improvement 
as  in  their  united  opinion  should  best  promote  the  general  good 
and  advancement  of  the  race* 

In  my  judgment,  at  least  one  large  Indian  school  could  be  sus 
tained  advantageously  in  California,  another  in  Oregon,  and  pos 
sibly  a  third  in  Washington  Territory ;  which,  with  proper  en 
couragement  from  Government  officers ;  as  to  a  morally  sustain 
ing  influence,  would  be  kept  and  continued  for  any  length  of 
time,  at  the  expense  of  the  church  alone,  without  asking  aid  from> 
Government. 

Twenty-five  years  observation  has  convinced  me  that  the  Indi 
ans  of  the  Pacific  coast,  under  anything  like  favorable  circum 
stances,  readily  domesticate,  and  make  as  rapid  advancement  in- 
civilization  as  other  races.  Their  intellect  I  consider  as  good, 
their  memory  as  strong,  their  purposes  as  firm,  their  natural' 
dignity  and  self  respect  equal  to  any;  and  as  they  are  now 
consciously  under  the  necessity  of  changing  their  pursuits,  I 
am  satisfied,  with  proper  encouragement  they  would  reason 
ably  advance  in  the  arts  of  civilized  life.  Indeed,  should  I 
judge  them  from  the  few  feeble  efforts  in  their  behalf  put 
forth  in  Oregon,  previously  to  large  numbers  of  emigrants  from 
the  western  borders  of  civilization  rushing  in  upon  them,  I  should 
be  obliged  to  say  their  improvements  were  astonishing ;  especially 
some  four  or  five  tribes  embracing  the  Nez  Perces,  Keyuse,  Pon- 
drays,  &c.,  &c. 

The  fault  is  less  with  the  Indians  than  with  the  whites.  We 
are  wickedly  remiss  in  duty  toward  the  Red  man.  We  rule  too 
much,  and  gently  guide,  lead,  and  instruct  too  little.  As  a  Chris 
tian  Government  with  benevolent  intentions  always  in  view,  we 
have  managed  our  Indian  Affairs  most  bunglingly ;  almost  from 
first  to  last,  and  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  A  few  fee 
ble,  ineffectual  efforts  hare  been  put  forth  to  support  small 
schools  here,  and  there,  by  the  Department ;  bu$  such  as-  un 
der  like  circumstances,  would  have  proved  failures  with  any  race 
in  the  world ;  and  the  whole  race  is  condemned  as  not  capable  of 
mental  culture  or  civilization.  A  fourth  part  expended  to  protect 
them  in  their  natural  rights,  and  to  furnish  them  good  and  whole 
some  instruction^  from  moral  and  humane  teachers,  that  has 


84 

expended  in  unnecessary  wars,  and  long  before  this  they  would 
have  been  a  comparatively  civilized  and  happy  people.  Had  the 
Government  sought  their  agents  with  a  special  view,  as  certainly 
they  should,  to  the  good  of  the  Indian  ;  and  when  found  adapted 
to  the  service,  retained  him  ;  much  evil  would  have  been  saved  and 
good  done  ;  but  all  our  management  has  been  against  the  poor 
Indian,  and  calculated  to  crush  and  ruin  his  prospects  for  any 
earthly  good. 

Congress  and  the  Department  at  Washington  has  been  alike  at 
fault,  Congress  for  not  instituting  better  laws  ;  and  then  pressing 
upon  the  President  the  appointment  of  improper  persons  to  fill 
those  important  places  of  trust.  The  Executive  has  a  thousand 
times  gone  counter  to  his  convictions  of  duty,  from  these  improper 
pressures,  and  importunities.  The  Commissioners  err  too  as  badly 
at  Washington.  For  years,  while  sub-agent  in  Oregon,  I  impor 
tuned  for  further  light,  and  clearer  instruction;  a  word  of  encour 
agement  or  something  to  cheer  me  on  in  duty,  but  that  WORD  never 
come. 

I  mention  these  things  in  hopes  to  incite  to  better  action  in  the 
future.  The  Commissioner,  in  my  judgment,  should  keep  up  a 
correspondence  with  all  his  agents,  writing  as  often  as  possible — 
it  is  attended  with  the  happiest  results. 

The  errors  of  our  fathers,  or  our  own  past  remisness,  we  cannot 
now  remedy  ;  we  must  look  at  the  present,  meet  the  emergency, 
and,  act  with  a  view  to  the  future. 

The  last  ten  years  of  Indian  wars,  bloodshed,  and  waste  of 
treasure,  on  the  Pacific,  "so  demoralizing  to  both  races,"  ought, 
should,  and  must  be  stopped^— such  havoc  of  a  weak  and  defence 
less  people  ;  by  a  civilized,  powerful,  and  Christian  nation,  reflects 
dishonor  on  our  HEADS  and  hearts',  and,  in  all  modesty,  yet,  in 
great  earnestness  ;  I  call  upon  this  administration  to  exert  its  in 
fluence  in  favor  of  wise  and  pacific  measures  for  the  peace,  se 
curity,  improvement,  and  happiness  of  the  poor  Indians  of  our 
country.  The  Hon.  Henry  R.  Schoolcraft,  our  Indian  historian, 
says  our  system  is  defective.  May  this  receive  due  consideration 
from  Congress,  and  in  the  meantime,  under  the  present  law,  may 
our  good  President  select  with  great  care  our  wisest  and  best  men 
to  fill  the  various  posts,  without  respect  to  outside  pressure  ;  and 
may  our  present  Commissioner  steadily  maintain  his  high  pur 
pose  of  renovatig  his  department ;  and  placing  all  under  him,  in 
harmonious  action  for  the  promotion  of  the  best  interests  of  the 
Government  and  the  governed. 


